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Cheesehead
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David Martin has successfully learned yet another position as an NFL player.
A wide receiver at Tennessee six years ago, Martin made the switch to tight end immediately when the Packers drafted him in the sixth round in 2001.
He's been a backup tight end ever since, and now he's added backup fullback to his duties as well.
With the expected return of William Henderson from injury this week and the release of Vonta Leach, Martin will be the No. 2 option at fullback to go along with his tight end responsibilities.
It's been an interesting and ongoing transition from a 220-pound receiver out of college to a 265-pound multi-position player in the pros. But the extra weight, and work, is fine with him, so long as it helps get him on the field.
"You want to be as versatile to your team and give them as much as you can, and that's what I'm trying to do," Martin said.
With Henderson out last week against Chicago, Martin took a handful of snaps at fullback as Leach's backup. The coaching staff worked backup tight ends Martin and Tory Humphrey at fullback at times during training camp, with the idea they could be used as blockers or pass-catchers in that role.
"We really triple-train the tight ends," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "We train them on the line, off the line and in the backfield. It's a smart way to go.
"Unfortunately, injuries are a part of our game, and it gives us flexibility in game-planning. It really keeps us on track to being a one-back or two-back offense. David is a very flexible, valuable player in our scheme."
A wide receiver at Tennessee six years ago, Martin made the switch to tight end immediately when the Packers drafted him in the sixth round in 2001.
He's been a backup tight end ever since, and now he's added backup fullback to his duties as well.
With the expected return of William Henderson from injury this week and the release of Vonta Leach, Martin will be the No. 2 option at fullback to go along with his tight end responsibilities.
It's been an interesting and ongoing transition from a 220-pound receiver out of college to a 265-pound multi-position player in the pros. But the extra weight, and work, is fine with him, so long as it helps get him on the field.
"You want to be as versatile to your team and give them as much as you can, and that's what I'm trying to do," Martin said.
With Henderson out last week against Chicago, Martin took a handful of snaps at fullback as Leach's backup. The coaching staff worked backup tight ends Martin and Tory Humphrey at fullback at times during training camp, with the idea they could be used as blockers or pass-catchers in that role.
"We really triple-train the tight ends," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "We train them on the line, off the line and in the backfield. It's a smart way to go.
"Unfortunately, injuries are a part of our game, and it gives us flexibility in game-planning. It really keeps us on track to being a one-back or two-back offense. David is a very flexible, valuable player in our scheme."
