Dallas Cowboys rookie Zack Martin was named to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday, the only offensive rookie selected to the game and one of six Cowboys. Martin has started all season at right guard for one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks.
Notre Dame’s four-time Offensive Lineman of the Year was the fourth offensive lineman taken in last year’s draft, behind Greg Robinson (2nd), Jake Matthews (6th) and Taylor Lewan (12th). None of those three have made close to the impact that Martin has made for the Cowboys, who had three starters on the offensive line named to the Pro Bowl.
Took some grief for suggesting Zack Martin was more deserving of Off Rookie of the Year than Mike Evans. Martin...in the Pro Bowl.
— Elliot Harrison (@HarrisonNFL) December 24, 2014
Two other rookies will be joining Martin in the Pro Bowl. Former Pitt star Aaron Donald will be representing the Rams along with linebacker C.J. Mosely, taken by the Ravens in the first round out of Alabama.
Martin’s success at the next level continues to prove that Irish fans may well have been watching the best offensive lineman to ever play at Notre Dame. The ironman reputation Martin built in South Bend continues in Dallas, with Martin able to answer the bell on Sunday even after badly spraining his ankle.
Martin has also earned a reputation as one of the Cowboys’ most valuable players, with Pro Football Focus grading him out as the team’s best offensive lineman.
“I couldn’t ask for better teammates, better coaches,” Martin said. “I really feel like I hit the lottery coming down here and being a part of this.”
Jason Garrett described Zack Martin as tough and mature after injuring his ankle early in the game and fighting through it all night.
— Jordan Ross (@CHQ_Jordan) December 15, 2014