National Football League

Martin tabbed as executive director for NFL alumni

Published Oct. 8, 2009 6:38 p.m. ET

Alex Marvez

George Martin's latest walk is taking him into the executive director's position of the NFL Alumni Association.

Martin — a long-time New York Giants defensive end — was elected into the newly-created position by an NFLA transitional board, a source told FOXSports.com. Martin was chosen among a group of 140 candidates, ending a national search that began in July.

The NFLA was formed earlier this year as a partnership between two separate groups involved with retired players (NFL Alumni and Fourth-and-Goal). Martin will represent the NFLA in speaking with the NFL and NFL Players Association about pension and disability issues.

Those topics and improved funding for both programs are expected to become a significant part of upcoming negotiations between the league and NFLPA for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. While the NFLA doesn't have an official position at the bargaining table, the league and players union already have tried wooing the group during the offseason.

Martin, 56, spent 14 seasons (1975-1988) with the Giants and is one of their best-known players from that era. He was president of the NFLPA while an active player.

Martin also is known for having raised almost $3 million to benefit ailing rescue personnel and first-responders after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City in 2001. Martin raised the money through sponsorship of a 3,000 mile cross-country walk in 2007 that took him from New York City to San Diego.