Former Giant George Martin Using Super Bowl-Winning Fame to Help 9/11 Charities

Every year, Super Bowl season rolls around and, as anticipation mounts, so do the wild and crazy headlines and cover stories before Big Game Day. Once in awhile, we actually get a chance to pick up on a newsworthy story line that doesn't involve the romantic gossip of a quarterback's love life or the lengths fans will go to get their hands on a ticket. A couple of days ago, it was an ordinary afternoon and, while my boyfriend slept to the lull of ESPN, a nice piece unfolded on the screen -- for a change.

Apparently, if you were a former Giant or a Patriot - anything you're doing now that's exciting or interesting will get media attention, which brings me to the defensive end and co-captain of the New York Giants Super Bowl-winning team in 1986 - George Martin. What is he doing since his days of glory and confetti? Well, Martin has devoted more than six months to the planning, training, and actual task of walking across America to raise money for 9/11 charities.

The television screen flashed with visions of proud firefighters and supporters throughout the report, as the story of "A Journey for 9/11" illustrated the retired Giant's goal of raising 10 million dollars to create an awareness of and assist the recovery workers and first responders of the World Trade Center tragedy. The after-effects of this national tragedy still linger, as entire families are still dealing with residual health problems, including emotional distress and debilitating lung infections.

Although Martin is a Greenville, South Carolina native, his New York Giant days have developed a soft spot for the Big Apple. This personal journey is one that allows him to fulfill the desire of walking across the country, taking in the great outdoors, and taking advantage of a chance to give back to the community.

An ESPN correspondent briefly walked by Martin's side, as she asked him questions about his journey. Accompanying photos appeared showing Martin hugging farmers, posing inside of fire trucks, and trekking down long stretches of dusty, country roads. He's been through pouring rain and only takes a break if thunder and lightening threaten to spoil the momentum.

Martin first stepped into this journey in none other than New York City at the George Washington Bridge on September 16th. He hopes to conclude his journey at the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge in February or March - long after the upcoming Super Bowl has claimed a victor. With close to $1.5 million dollars raised for his cause, Martin hopes to collect $10 million before he finishes his quest.

The Route

George Martin has a mapped out plan to pass through 15 states during his "Journey for 9/11," which includes appearances in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Nevada and California. He has met a lot of engaging individuals along the way, hitting milestones like the 500-mile mark in Virginia.

9/11 Charity Help

While Martin holds the goal to reach $10 million dollars in raising funds for the medical care of Ground Zero workers, he will have a little extra help in the end. In addition to whatever he is able to collect, participating hospitals and medical care partners have agreed to match dollar-for-dollar in medical services. There are also a handful of influential corporate sponsors lending a hand, including Best Western, Continental Airlines, Fairleigh Dickinson University, General Motors, Nike, United Parcel Service (UPS), Sprint, and the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Who is George Martin?

During Super Bowl XXI, Martin is best known for tackling Broncos quarterback John Elway for a safety in the end zone. Throughout his NFL career, which spanned from 1975 to 1988 - Martin racked seven touchdowns - setting a record for defensive linemen. He was also the former president of the NFL Players Association. Martin, who is 54, endured more than three months of training for this excursion. On the road, he has a security officer, support team, a technology advisor (documenting the journey), and medical technician by his side.

Interestingly, if you want to see where George Martin is at this very moment of his journey, there is a GPS satellite tracking service found on his website/blog that marks his every move - right down to the street.

Sources

www.ajourneyfor911.blogspot.com/
ESPN Television Report