Throughout the Lions' preseason, former Columbus Aviators wide receiver Tay Martin stood out in Detroit’s overcrowded receiving room. Despite the fact that he was competing against three other hungry UFL talents, seasoned NFL veterans, and rostered Lions players, Martin continued to impress the coaching staff. On Sunday, he showed why he belongs in the NFL.
Columbus Aviators' Tay Martin Lost No Time Making An Impact For the Detroit Lions
Week after week, Lions head coach Dan Campbell, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, and special teams coordinator Dave Fipp spoke of Martin during media sessions.
When questioned who stood out among the receivers, Campbell didn’t hesitate. Coach Campbell acknowledged the fierce competition among the wide receivers.
“Yeah. That room right now is interesting. Tay Martin showed up again, blocking, made a one-on-one catch, separated, special teams. He forced a penalty, and that was just one play on special teams. He made more than that… So, I mean, those guys, that room right now, it's an all-out (battle) right now. So, it's pretty exciting.”
When the NFL teams’ 53-man rosters were released, Martin was one of two 2026 UFL players to make an NFL team. Dallas Cowboys cornerback Ameer Speed (Houston Gamblers) was the other.
On Sunday, fans got a chance to see exactly why Martin had earned the respect of his coaches and teammates. Originally from Houma, LA, Martin undoubtedly grew up as a Saints fan. But he definitely didn't make things any easier on the visiting team. In addition to recording three solo tackles on Sunday, his quickness and talent as a gunner on special teams earned him a game ball on Sunday. Martin’s hard-hitting tackle on New Orleans Saints punt returner Barion Brown knocked him for a loss and pinned New Orleans back on their 14-yard line.
From the NFL to the UFL
Martin, a 28-year-old Oklahoma State football player who previously attended Washington State, was a UDFA who bounced around the NFL for several years before making his UFL debut with the Aviators. During his time in the NFL, Martin had stints with the San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans, and the Washington Commanders.
It was during his time with the Titans that Martin made his NFL debut. During Week 18 of the 2024 season, he caught a 49-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Will Levis, making the most of his first NFL reception.
It was just one reception. However, it was enough for the Titans to sign him to the roster for the 2025 season. However, Martin suffered an undisclosed injury in May that landed him on injured reserve. Released from Tennessee with an injury settlement, Martin was signed to the Commanders' practice squad in July of 2025. Despite being elevated and appearing in three games for Washington, he was released that October.
Things began to change when he was drafted by the Aviators in the 2026 UFL player draft. Martin compiled a record of 42 passes for 482 yards with two touchdowns in 10 games. His longest catch went for 52 yards.
From the UFL to the Detroit Lions
Following the UFL Season, Martin was one of four UFL wide receivers who entered the Lions' training camp. Louisville Kings’ Tarik Black, Lucky Jackson, and Houston Gamblers’ Lawrence Keys III were his competition. Of the three, only Jackson remains. He is currently on the Lions' practice squad. But it was apparent from the beginning that Martin was the one turning heads. He began getting more snaps during preseason games, and in the closing days of camp, he even took reps with the first team.
During the Cincinnati game, he caught his only target at Cincinnati, a 14-yard reception. But his real contribution came on special teams. According to Pro Football Focus, he was Detroit's highest-rated special teams player with a 79.9. In addition, on offense, Martin also did well as a run blocker, recording a 78.3.
Martin has already proven himself to the coaches and his teammates; it's only a matter of time before he becomes a Detroit fan favorite as well.