No matter what stage of life Jacob Martin has been in or the place he's lived, there has been a particular constant source of joy in his life. Its presence is typically marked by four legs and fur, but he doesn't discriminate -- those with scaly skin and multiple eyes have also nuzzled their way into his heart.
"I think before I even wanted to play football, I wanted to be an animal physiologist," the Commanders defensive end said. "It goes back to my earliest childhood memories. I've always had a passion for animals. I'm covered in tattoos of animals, spiders and insects."
Martin has long put action behind this passion. Experiences like volunteering at the Denver Dumb Friends League in junior high and Smoky Hill Veterinary Clinic in high school "opened his eyes" to inhumane treatment of animals and solidified his conviction.
"I think as humans it's our responsibility to be the voice for those who don't have a voice," Martin said. "I think it's important to cherish animals while you have them, take care of them, look out for them."
Whenever he sees an opportunity to spread awareness about the importance of caring for animals, Martin steps up. He has a gaggle of pets of his own (including a snake named Maurice). In Chicago last year, he worked with PAWS Chicago, the city's largest No Kill adoption center. And you can bet the NFL veteran didn't miss a beat once arrive in the nation's capital this past spring.
In his first year as a Commander, Martin has developed a very active and impactful relationship with the Humane Rescue Alliance, one of the area's largest animal rescue services.
"They're great. It's a great core group of people that I've had the chance to work, and just their impact on the D.C. community is huge," Martin said.
The 29-year-old has been struck by the dedication of the volunteers and the number of different ways the HRA supports both pet owners.
"They offer a boat load of things, whether it be their dog food pantry, their ability to do spays and neuters at discount or for free, provide emergency care for animals at discount or free depending on the owner's financial situation. They do a great job of supporting people that are homeless with pets," Martin said. "The volunteers are awesome. People spend their whole weeks there, walking dogs, playing with cats, fostering animals and things like that."
The two have teamed up over the last several months and seem to be a paw-fect pair. In September, Martin used his platform to get out the word about the HRA's "pick of the week" dog available for adoption. In October, they hosted a Tails and Tailgates donation drive, gathering unopened pet food and toys and raising money for the HRA.
Earlier this month, Martin and the organization partnered up to shine a light on the HRA's dogs over 55 pounds (in honor of Martin's #55 jersey number), who often face the longest shelter stays. November also brings the annual NFL's 'My Cause My Cleats' tradition, and it will come as little surprise that Martin chose the HRA for his cause to support.
Martin will wear the cleats this Sunday against the Broncos, and the custom-designed footwear will be auctioned off to support the D.C. animal rescue. It's a moment when his passion gets heightened attention, but he's long done and will continue to do this work for the cause regardless of what day it is or who is watching. And in the future, when football is in the rearview mirror, Martin plans to dedicate a new chapter in his career to critters and four-legged friends.
"Probably when I'm done playing football, I'll end up going back to school or something like that," Martin said. "Football is just part of the journey for now but ultimately it's going to lead me to where I want to end up and that's working with animals, as many animals as I can get my hands on."
