For Ruvell Martin, a strong, burgeoning career in real estate is on hold. For Marcedes Lewis, football has never stopped.
These two men are separated by a little less than two years in age and they both took their first NFL snaps in 2006. It is an amusing coincidence, but one that belies the very different roads each took to be with the Green Bay Packers this year.
Martin, who first entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2004 after a college career at Saginaw Valley State, bounced around for two years before finally cracking the Packers’ 53-man roster in 2006. After seven years as a useful role player and special teamer, Martin retired, starting up a career in real estate and focusing on his growing family. Now, he returns to Green Bay on a coaching internship, thanks in large part to that family he worked so hard to support.
Lewis was a first-round draft pick in 2006 and is headed into his 15th NFL season. After 12 years in Jacksonville, Lewis has signed three straight one-year deals with the Packers and is back for another round in Green Bay as the veteran statesman of the tight end group.
The trajectories of these two men are very different and their contributions will come in different roles, but the team should benefit from the experience and knowledge that each will bring to the franchise in 2020.
Inbox: That’s a great wild card to have | Packers.com
"That" refers to Tyler Ervin and his dynamic athletic ability. Wes Hodkiewicz discusses Ervin and more in this week's mailbag.
Former Packers receiver Ruvell Martin finally says yes to Matt LaFleur | Packersnews.com
Martin, the former Packers receiver and college teammate of Matt LaFleur, finally agreed to work with his old quarterback in a coaching role this season after years of coaxing. The reason why this time was a yes, however, was his family -- his wife and all four daughters were unanimous in supporting Ruvell's new job and a move to Wisconsin.
Packers thrilled to have TE Marcedes Lewis back for 2020 | Packers Wire
Lewis is one year younger than Martin, but his leadership will be felt in the locker room rather than the meeting room. And with the Packers likely to use a lot more 12 personnel this year, his presence on the field as an in-line blocker will be more than welcome.
Five pressing questions for the Packers to address when training camp begins – The Athletic (subscription required)
The Packers need to figure out what's going on with several positions on their offense in training camp, particularly running back usage and the roster spots for their wide receivers.
Mississippi Man Saves Total Stranger's Custom Mazda RX-7 From Rising Floodwaters - The Drive
Not all heroes wear capes.