Harvey Martin

Harvey Martin, born Harvey Banks Martin on November 16, 1950 and died on December 24, 2001, was an American professional football defensive end who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1973 until 1983. He transferred to South Oak Cliff High School in 1967, only began playing on defense in his senior year, and received a single scholarship offer, from East Texas State University, where he became the best defensive end in school history and helped lead the team to a national title in 1972. The Cowboys picked him in the third round of the 1973 draft, and by 1975 he was a full time starter. In 1977 he recorded 23 sacks, was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a consensus All-Pro, helped Dallas win Super Bowl XII and shared the game most valuable player award with Randy White. A four time Pro Bowler and a member of the Doomsday Defense, he retired in 1983, later struggled with addiction, and died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 51.