During an interview last week on NBCSN’s Pro Football Talk, Colts quarterback Andrew Luck spoke in favorable terms regarding his former Stanford teammate, tackle Jonathan Martin.
But Luck seemed to be a bit hesitant to make too strong of a public pitch for Martin. There could be a good reason for that.
There’s a sense in some league circles it will be difficult to persuade G.M. Ryan Grigson to take a chance on Martin, given the premium Grigson places on toughness.
Regardless of where the blame lands for the events that resulted in Martin leaving the Dolphins (and there’s enough to go around for everyone), a fundamental question remains regarding whether Martin is tough enough to thrive in the NFL. The various Stanford connections (from Luck to offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton to tight end Coby Fleener) could be enough to persuade Grigson to give Martin a chance.
Still, Martin will have to show Grigson something quickly or Martin may not last in Indy. If he even gets an opportunity there.