Former Nebraska and Kansas State quarterback Adrian Martinez learned Sunday evening that he will not make the New York Jets’ final roster for the 2025 season. The news is a setback for his aspirations of securing an active NFL role after spending last season on the practice squad.
Martinez signed with the Jets last summer and had generated hope for a backup role heading into the new season. The opportunity grew, especially with Tyrod Taylor being limited and the team needing depth behind expected starter Justin Fields.
However, a shaky preseason finale, which included a pair of turnovers, appears to have cost Martinez his best chance yet at making an active NFL roster.
The quarterback played at Nebraska from 2018 to 2021, where he threw for more than 8,000 yards and 45 touchdowns while rushing for 35 more. Despite his impressive college stats, the team struggled in the win-loss column. He later found more team success at Kansas State, but injuries opened the door for Will Howard to take over late in the year.
Unless the Jets change course or another quarterback-needy team signs him, the streak of no Nebraska quarterback taking an NFL snap since Bruce Mathison in 1987 will continue for at least another season, despite Martinez earning 2024 UFL MVP honors.