Texas Southern University is mourning the loss of former football student-athlete Tyler Martinez

An alumnus of Humble High School, Tyler joined the Texas Southern football team in 2019 as a true freshman and immediately became a key contributor on the defensive line. Over the course of his four-year playing career at Texas Southern, he was a consistent presence in the rotation, known for his relentless work ethic and infectious energy.

But Tyler’s impact extended far beyond the gridiron.

“Tyler was a young man who was loved by his teammates and his personality was larger than life,” said Football Chief of Staff Charles Nichols. “In his mind, he was the best rapper on the team, and on the field, he was always trying to become a better football player. I will cherish our talks we had concerning life after football. I was so proud of him when he got his degree and started on his master’s degree. He will truly be missed because there was only one Tyler Martinez.”

After graduating from Texas Southern with a bachelor of business administration in Management, Tyler returned to continue his academic journey by pursuing a master’s degree—an achievement that reflected his drive to grow not just as an athlete, but as a person.

Wide receivers coach Jerwin Wilson reflected on what Tyler brought to the team.

“He was a fun individual and a joy to be around. He was a very adventurous person who could spark a light in any room.”

Tyler’s legacy is one of passion, perseverance, and personality. Whether he was making plays on the field, lighting up a room with his humor, or dreaming big about life after football, he left an indelible impression on everyone he met.