Fifty-three days remain until the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 23-25, 2026. After a 3-14 season in 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick as this daily countdown continues through the franchise’s best players by jersey number.
Today, March 1, the number is 53.
Rod Martin, No. 53
Rod Martin owns No. 53 because he was a long-term defensive cornerstone on a championship-era Raiders run and delivered impact plays that changed games. A late-round selection who turned into a leader, Martin spent his entire career in Silver and Black from 1977-1988.
Martin played 165 games for the Raiders and became a fixture in the middle of the defense across two Super Bowl championship teams. He was known for his instincts and range, producing steady week-to-week value while also coming up with timely takeaways.
Why Martin gets No. 53
No. 53 has several worthy options, but Martin’s combination of longevity, honors and championship résumé puts him on top. He earned two Pro Bowl selections, was named first-team All-Pro, and anchored a defense that consistently played its best football in the postseason.
He also owns one of the biggest single-game moments in Raiders playoff history, a performance that helped define his legacy as a playmaker on the biggest stage.
Draft and background
Martin was born April 7, 1954, in Welch, West Virginia. He played at Alexander Hamilton High School in California before starring at USC.
The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the 12th round, 317th overall, of the 1977 NFL Draft — a deep pick that turned into a core defender for more than a decade.
Other notable No. 53s
- Dan Birdwell, 1962-1969
- Thomas Howard, 2006-2010
- Rob Fredrickson, 1994-1997
- Malcolm Smith, 2015-2016
- Bill Romanowski, 2002-2003
Career check
Martin’s case is built on durability, awards and championships — and he delivered signature moments when the stakes were highest. For No. 53, the best Raider is Rod Martin.
Next up tomorrow: No. 52.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.
