Who is Notre Dame’s Second-Best All-Time NFL Player? The Case for Zack Martin and Others
Notre Dame has produced a long list of NFL legends, from Hall of Famers to perennial Pro Bowlers. While many agree that Joe Montana — four-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Super Bowl MVP — holds the title of Notre Dame’s greatest NFL product, the debate for the second-best is far more nuanced. One name that stands tall among the contenders is Zack Martin, the Dallas Cowboys’ stalwart offensive guard.
Martin, a first-round pick in 2014, has redefined consistency and excellence on the offensive line. As of 2025, he has earned nine Pro Bowl selections and six First-Team All-Pro honors. He’s been the anchor of one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive lines for over a decade, all while allowing remarkably few sacks. Martin’s career trajectory places him on a fast track to Canton, and his dominance at such a physically punishing position only amplifies his case.
But Martin isn’t without competition. Alan Page, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle and the first defensive player to win NFL MVP (1971), is often considered Notre Dame’s most accomplished defensive alumnus. Page had a transformative impact during his time with the Minnesota Vikings’ “Purple People Eaters” defense. His longevity, accolades, and cultural impact in both football and law (he later served as a justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court) solidify his legendary status.
Then there’s Tim Brown, the 1987 Heisman Trophy winner who went on to become one of the NFL’s most productive wide receivers. Brown’s 1,094 receptions, over 14,000 receiving yards, and 100 total touchdowns reflect both excellence and longevity, culminating in a Hall of Fame induction in 2015.
While Page and Brown have the Hall of Fame pedigree, Martin’s dominance in the trenches and unmatched consistency in the modern NFL era make him a unique case. Offensive linemen often go unrecognized, but Martin’s ability to control games, protect quarterbacks, and lead by example has made him the gold standard at his position.
Ultimately, Martin’s case hinges on how much weight one gives to sustained excellence in the modern NFL. He may not yet have a Hall of Fame jacket, but his body of work speaks volumes — and it’s far from finished. For now, Martin is not just in the conversation as Notre Dame’s second-best NFL player of all time — he may very well be winning it.
