Former Nebraska football QB showing up and showing out in the pros

Ex-Nebraska QB's standout play for Birmingham Stallions solidifies his impact, showcasing his prowess on the field.
Adrian Martinez prepares for the Birmingham Stallions game
Adrian Martinez prepares for the Birmingham Stallions game / Brandon Sumrall/UFL/GettyImages
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Former Nebraska football star quarterback Adrian Martinez might have to share time at quarterback with former USC signal-caller Matt Cassel, but when the ex-Husker gets in the game he definitely makes the most of it. In the bargain, he's making the most of his second shot at pro football.

Martinez took the helm of the starting quarterback position for the Birmingham Stallions on Sunday, two weeks after his last start. His performance this weekend could end him needing to share time with Cassel.

One big reason why he's making such a statement is because he's doing damage through the air, but also being a pain on defenses on the ground. That is of course, what Adrian Martinez has been doing his entire career. From Nebraska football, to Kansas State, even his short lived shot with the Detroit Lions and now the Stallions.

Ex-Nebraska QB sparks Birmingham Stallions to victory with stellar performance

In Birmingham's latest win, a 32-9 victory over Houston, Martinez went 11-for-20 for 155 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. He also carried the ball 9 times for 138 yards, with a long of 34 yards and an average of more than 15 yards per carry.

This performance comes after he threw for 344 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 44 yards and another TD in his last start. 

Despite sharing the starting quarterback job for the UFL team, Martinez has put up 603 yards passing and 302 rushing yards. That latter number leagues the league by 80 yards. Not for quarterbacks mind you, he's leading all rushers in the league. By a wide margin.

The former Nebraska footbal star has always shown the ability to be a game changer at times. He dominated opponents both for the Cornhuskers and Kansas State when he was healthy. It was always the "when he was healthy" that was the problem.

Perhaps in that regard, the current pattern of sitting every other week is what's best for Adrian Martinez. Of course, with the kind of outings he's had in his last two starts, the former Nebraska footbal star might stop sharing soon.