John Paul Martha, an American football safety who played seven seasons in the National Football League before turning to law, was born on June 22, 1942, and he passed away on February 4, 2023.
At the University of Pittsburgh, Martha participated in both basketball and college football. He switched positions in 1961, from quarterback to running back, and in his second season at the new position, he was named a unanimous All-American. He was Pitt’s top receiver and scorer in 1962. As a senior in 1963, he helped the Panthers to a 9-1 record, and following the season, he participated in the College All-Star game, the East-West Shrine Game, and the Hula Bowl.
His hometown Pittsburgh Steelers selected Martha in the first round of the 1964 NFL Draft (10th overall).
In his debut year of 1964, Martha carried four times for 12 yards while catching six catches for 145 yards (a 24.2 average). In addition, he returned one kick and 13 punts. He ran twice for three yards in 1965 and caught 11 passes for 171 yards (a 15.5 average). He played full-time safety for the defense for the following four seasons, during which time he totaled 15 interceptions.
He played for the Denver Broncos in 1970 after his sixth and final campaign with Pittsburgh in 1969, intercepting six passes for a career-high 99 return yards.
Steelers: Paul Martha Cause Of Death
According to Pittsburgh anchor Ryan Recker, longtime Steeler Paul Martha died at the age of 80. He died as a result of a heart attack.