He played college football for the Troy Trojans and was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2009 NFL draft.

At age 9, Martin began playing football and continued through middle and high school.

While at Griffin High, Martin played three seasons as a free safety and wide receiver under head coach Steve Devoursney.

In that same year, Martin caught seven passes for 177 yards and led the team and the region in punt returns.

[1] Enrolling at Troy University in 2004, Martin played strong safety while assigned as a reservist and member of special teams.

During his time with the Jaguars, Sherrod Martin trained to become a barber, preparing for a career after the NFL.