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."
-
Kenny Pickett prepares for fresh start as Raiders' backup QB after Browns' trade
After being traded from the Browns following Aidan O’Connell’s injury, Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett says he’s focused on learning the offense and preparing to contribute when needed.
Amari Cooper returns as Las Vegas Raiders finalize 53-man roster ahead of Week 1
The Raiders set their 53-man roster Tuesday, cutting 32 players while reuniting with veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper, who says he’s ready to lead a young receiver group under coach Pete Carroll.
Geno Smith throws TD pass in only drive for Raiders, who fall to Cardinals 20-10
The Raiders (0-2-1) played several starters on their opening offensive and defensive drives, and each unit had success against the Cardinals’ backups in a 20-10 loss on Saturday night.
Raiders eye final roster decisions as preseason Wraps in Arizona
The Raiders close out the preseason Saturday in Arizona with final roster spots on the line. Pete Carroll says the game will show who can handle the pressure before Tuesday’s cutdown deadline.
