LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — It's not every game you see a poster that reads, "20-year-old heart transplant survivor from Denver, still bleeding Silver and Black, alive and loyal, Just Win Baby," at Allegiant Stadium."
“It makes me feel alive, it makes me feel like I’m apart of something," heart transplant survivor Markus Martinez said.
VIDEO: Raiders fan Markus Martinez credits the team for providing hope during recovery
Martinez has been a Raiders fan since he was a kid, but just a few years ago, he says the team helped him feel alive again after a near death experience.
“I had a heart attack at 17, but I was really blessed to receive a heart within that same month," Martinez said.
While it was a blessing, Martinez says the road to recovery wasn't easy, but one thing helped him push to keep fighting.
“I just watched a lot of Maxx Crosby highlights and his podcast and it just gives me hope," Martinez said. "He says just do the best you can cause that’s all you can do.”
Now fully recovered, the Denver native described his first game at Allegiant as a win-win.
“I get to watch my favorite team, I get to watch my home team where I was born and raised from," Martinez said. "I have a one-year-old daughter too and I just want to live for her, so yes you go through tough times, but at the same time, you can still grow from that."
-
Marcus Mariota and a reconfigured Commanders offense run past the Raiders 41-24
The Commanders produced 174 yards on the ground in the first half alone, and Washington beat the Las Vegas Raiders 41-24 on Sunday.
Homegrown Raiders Jonah Laulu, Kyu Blu Kelly make presence felt on primetime
Las Vegas natives Jonah Laulu and Kyu Blu Kelly shine for Raiders despite 20-9 home opener loss to Chargers. Laulu records two sacks in hometown.
Herbert and strong defense lead Chargers to 20-9 win over Raiders
Justin Herbert passed for 242 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Chargers to a 20-9 victory over the Raiders on Monday night.
Raiders’ Pete Carroll, Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh renew storied rivalry
Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh square off again Monday night in Las Vegas. The longtime rivals, whose clashes span college and NFL football, bring competition, respect and playful banter to showdown.
