Bobby Martin to Serve as Ambassador of Pop Warner Challenger League; will attend Super Bowl

The young men and women of the Pop Warner Challenger League know a thing or two about courage and inspiration. And when four Challenger teams square off in an exhibition game on Thursday, December 6 at the Pop Warner Super Bowl, they will be joined by a young man whom most of them have likely admired.

Bobby Martin was born on November 3, 1987, with a condition deemed by medical experts was the worse case of "Caudal Regression Syndrome" they had ever seen or heard of, leaving him with no legs.  Despite his condition and using no prosthetics, Bobby went on to receive critical acclaim nationally for his accomplishments on the high school football playing field. Bobby’s story transcends America’s most popular sport. It is about his desire and perseverance to overcome obstacles, and achieve what few thought was physically possible.  

Bobby will serve as an Ambassador to the Pop Warner Challenger Division, and attend their games on Thursday, December 6. He will to talk with both the Challenger programs as well as a number of tackle football teams about his perseverance and determination to never give up.

Bobby Martin Biography:

Bobby Martin was born on November 3, 1987, with a condition deemed by medical experts was the worse case of "Caudal Regression Syndrome" they had ever seen or heard of, leaving him with no legs.  Despite his condition and using no prosthetics, Bobby went on to receive critical acclaim nationally for his accomplishments on the high school football playing field. Bobby’s story transcends America’s most popular sport. It is about his desire and perseverance to overcome obstacles, and achieve what few thought was physically possible.  

At the age of 2, Bobby’s father left him to be raised by his mother, Gloria in a tiny, one story home in the inner city of Dayton, Ohio. Things were tough, but Bobby received much love and support from his mother and two older brothers.  Bright and energetic, Bobby learned to get around independently. Often walking on his hands he displayed exceptional coordination, and the tenacity to compete.  Told he wouldn’t be able to play organized sports, Bobby participated in street pick-up games.    

Playing football leveled life’s playing field for Bobby. On this turf, all players are alike and share a common love, football. The coaches didn’t show Bobby pity, they showed him opportunity. Using his quickness and low proximity to the ground, they utilized him at nose-tackle.  At first, the grueling work ethic caused much strain on Bobby’s shoulders and arms. As his muscles and calloused hands improved, so did his confidence. His speed in the 40-yard dash improved to 5.8 seconds, enabling him to many times outrun the heavier linemen on his and opposing teams.   

In a school that had to deal with drugs, weapons and gang relations on a daily basis, Bobby became a symbol of inspiration, peace and hope.  His leadership unified an entire high school football conference and helped people understand the game of football is about brotherhood.  
Proud of his heritage and culture, Bobby refused to be a slave to his physical condition.  He mended racial fences, and often spoke out against gang violence and drug use.  

“My coaches and my teammates taught me, that once I put that Jersey on, to hold my head up and walk like a man, like a football player. Because once you take that field, that’s what you are. And we’re all equal out here. No prejudice, just pride.”

Bobby was given a 2005 Arete award for his courage and recently won an ESPY Award for “Best Athlete with a Disability.”  Bobby’s legacy has already left an indelible mark so unique that it proves you don’t need feet to leave a footprint.  

Visit Bobby Martin's Official Website