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Former Husker Adrian Martinez Leads New York Jets to NFL Preseason Win

The former Nebraska quarterback is aiming to secure a backup spot behind former NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.

Austin Jacobsen

Aug 10, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Adrian Martinez (15) scrambles for a first down as Washington Commanders safety Ben Nikkel (48) pursues during the second half at MetLife Stadium.
Aug 10, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Adrian Martinez (15) scrambles for a first down as Washington Commanders safety Ben Nikkel (48) pursues during the second half at MetLife Stadium. / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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Adrian Martinez led a game-winning drive for the New York Jets Saturday, aiming to keep his National Football League dreams alive.

The former Nebraska quarterback began the day as the fifth quarterback listed on the Jets' depth chart, but Martinez stole the spotlight against the Washington Commanders in the team's preseason opener.

The UFL Most Valuable Player and championship quarterback ended his day going 6-of-10 passing for 104 yards, including multiple scoring drives that concluded with the game-winning 37-yard field goal.

New York Jets quarterback Adrian Martinez (15) receives a snap during the second half
Aug 10, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Adrian Martinez (15) receives a snap during the second half against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. / Lucas Boland-USA TODAY Sports

"We won, that's the first goal," Martinez said after the Jets' 20-17 victory. "We wanted to win and put ourselves in a position to do that. I think I did well. There are some things to learn and improve from. We'll watch the tape and do those things."

Martinez was also an asset with his rushing ability, converting a key first down on an early drive and ending his performance with 24 rushing yards.

"That's part of my game," Martinez said. "I like to scramble a bit - extend plays and something Aaron (Rodgers) has continued to push with me is to keep my eyes downfield and give guys opportunities."

The former Kansas State and Nebraska quarterback had the bulk of the quarterback snaps in the Jets' preseason opener, sharing with first-year quarterback Andrew Peasley. Martinez has only been with the Jets for two weeks, aiming to build off his stellar spring in which he claimed the UFL MVP award and championship.

New York Jets quarterback Adrian Martinez (15) drops back to pass during the second half
Aug 10, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Adrian Martinez (15) drops back to pass during the second half in front of Washington Commanders defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste (90) at MetLife Stadium. / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Martinez wasn't the only former Nebraska quarterback on the field. Washington receiver Luke McCaffrey, who started two games for the Huskers in place of Martinez in 2020, caught two passes for 25 yards.

Martinez and the Jets will take on the Carolina Panthers on Saturday in Charlotte as the NFL preseason continues.

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Austin Jacobsen
AUSTIN JACOBSEN

Austin Jacobsen is a radio broadcaster and former Sports Director in Central Nebraska. He has seen the Cornhusker state from all corners; growing up in the Panhandle, completing his college degree in Kearney, working in the rural Sandhills, and now residing in Omaha. Austin is a statewide, regional, and national radio award winner and can usually be found at a high school football field on Friday nights and tuning in to the Huskers wherever they travel. If he is not on the road, Austin enjoys movie dates with his girlfriend and their dog, Ava.

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