How Acquired: Signed as an unrestricted free agent by the New England Patriots on Feb. 5, 2008.

Pro Career:
(2008-present) New England Patriots: Signed to a reserve future contract by the Patriots on Feb. 5, 2008, the 6-foot-5, 300-pounder is expected to compete for a spot on the team's practice squad if he makes the cut through training camp.

(2006-07) Minnesota Vikings:
A reserve offensive lineman with the Vikings, Martin was signed and released on three separate occasions by Minnesota. A member of the Vikings practice squad during the 2006 season, He was released by Minnesota on Sept. 2, 2007. Martin was out of football for the 2007 season.

(2006) San Diego Chargers:
Originally drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft (226th overall) out of Virginia Tech. The 6-foot-5-inch, 306-pound offensive lineman was released by San Diego on Aug. 28, 2006. The Chargers also drafted Jeromey Clary (6th round) and Marcus McNeil (2nd round) that year.

“Martin is a guy we really liked, He’s a big guy and very competitive. He’s another player who goes every snap. We’ll put him in the mix and see where it goes from there.” - A.J. Smith (per the Chargers official site)

College: Virginia Tech
Didn’t get any college scholarship offers and played a year at Fork Union Prep School. Started three years at left tackle for Virginia Tech, where he played for Vikings QB coach Kevin Rogers. Prior to suffering a knee injury late in his senior season, he has started 45 straight games ... 2004: Played 665 snaps on offense, grading out a 86 percent with 18 knockdowns in the regular season ... 2003: Played in and started all 13 games ... Played 699 offensive snaps, grading out at 85.3 percent with 24 knockdown blocks in the regular season ... 2002: Started the last seven games of the season ... Ended up playing 409 regular-season offensive snaps ... Graded out at 83.1 percent for the season with nine knockdown blocks

College Bio Page

Personal: ... Born James Mercer Martin III on 10/19/82 in Fairfax, VA ... Son of Susan Martin and Jim Martin ... Majored in apparel, housing, resource management ... Was a two-way lineman for Coach Bob Herb at Chantilly High ... Earned first-team All-Concorde District honors on offense and defense in 2000 ... Gained first-team all-region recognition on defense and was an honorable mention Group AAA all-state pick ... Also lettered as a first baseman on the baseball team and earned first-team all-district honors as a senior ... Went on to become a standout offensive lineman for Coach John Shuman at Fork Union in 2001.

Personal website:

Drafted: 2006 - Rd 7 (227th overall by the Chargers)
Salary: $295,000
Signed Through: 2008
last update: 7/16/2008

Stats and Player Info: FoxSports.com player page