8/20/2020 football Edit

Where are they now? Former Rutgers RB Joe Martinek Jr.

Chris Nalwasky • TheKnightReport

Beat Writer

Joe Martinek Jr., a Hopatcong, N.J. native, was a running back and fullback for the Rutgers football team from 2007-2011.

"Jersey Joe" as he was called played in 49 games as a Scarlet Knight, rushing for 1,770 yards and 17 touchdowns on 391 carries while also catching 46 passes for 448 yards and another score. Martinek also remains the leading rusher in New Jersey high school history with 7,589 yards and 80 touchdowns.

In a very real Q&A, Martinek went into great detail and discussed his time at Rutgers under head coach Greg Schiano, playing in Italy, what he's up to nowadays, and more.

-- The Knight Report: So what have you been up to since graduating Rutgers?

Joe Martinek: “After graduating I had my short stint with the New York Giants. I got to meet and build relationships with great people there. I moved around throughout north and south Jersey trying to find the best situation for me. I created a fitness website (JerseyJoeFitness.com) that not only offers customized workout and meal plans for people, but also motivates and helps people in all types of situations better themselves and reach their goals. I have been blessed with the opportunity so far in my life to meet and learn from top weight room professionals and executives in the business world. My goal is to pass along any information I have to help others. I am trying to heIp people everyday anyway I can. I am also by far the cheapest on the internet starting out at only $5 for a plan. My website also offers cookbooks and fitness/nutrition facts on my YouTube Channel (JerseyJoe Fitness).”

-- TKR: I saw you played football in Italy in 2015. What was that like?

Martinek: “Italy was amazing. Ever since I was young and learned my family was from Italy I always wanted to go. So once I got the opportunity, I had to take it. Everyone there was so nice and friendly. I still keep in contact with the guys I played with over there. It may surprise you but they love American football. There is some talent in that league for sure.”

-- TKR: You came on board to Rutgers when Greg Schiano was there. What was your reaction to him coming back?

Martinek: “I had my opinions about coach Schiano when I was in college but I was all in for him to come back to Rutgers and coach. He is exactly wha not only the football team needs but what the university needs. He demands a work ethic in his players that they can use in their adult life and many more life lessons. He is also a very talented defensive coordinator that is definitely needed playing in the Big Ten. Of course being a great recruiter will help bring talent to the playing field but Rutgers is in a bad state with their fans and their alumni. I am hopeful coach Schiano can right the ship.”

-- TKR: What was it like playing for Schiano and how did he help you grow?

Martinek: “Playing for Coach Schiano was not easy. It was very taxing on your body and mind. There would be game days when I would just be drained from the week of practice. He demanded a lot and personally I knew I had to be perfect in practice everyday. He was constantly bringing in very talented running backs to replace me so it pushed me. I was challenged and made me into a NFL player. Going against his defense everyday, especially his blitz packages, was the thing that transferred the most into the NFL. We ran a NFL defense at Rutgers, so when I got to the Giants, I already knew most of how the defensive scheme would work. A Lot of guys in the NFL were very talented running with the ball, but never had to pass protect. For me, that was one of my best and favorite aspects so it came very natural for me and I stood out.”

-- TKR: Rutgers has struggled in recent seasons. In your mind, what do the Scarlet Knights need to do to rekindle that success while you were there?

Martinek: “Rutgers needs to be tough on and off the field. There was no room for error for us because if we messed up we would have to face the consequences, just like the real world. Coach treated us like we were fighting for a national championship every year. That is how serious we all took it. We were driven. He is a great motivator and always puts us in the position to succeed on the field. We were a brotherhood. I have a group chat with my roommates still to this day and if I go to events and see any of my old teammates it's like no time has passed. We loved each other and played for each other.”

-- TKR: How would you generally describe your time as a Scarlet Knight?

Martinek: “My time as a Scarlet Knight was stressful for sure. Changing positions, competing everyday, 4th on the depth chart then to 1st then off it was a mental challenge. I had to stick tough, fight through pain and compete to give myself a chance at my ultimate dream. Had too many people I did not want to let down. I made a lot of lifelong friends though that I will appreciate forever. From my teammates, training staff to my advisors, the equipment staff and everyone in between.”

-- TKR: How did the “Jersey Joe” nickname come about? Are you a fan of it?

Martinek: “So if you ask Coach Joe Susan he will say he gave me the nickname my freshman year but, sorry coach, a newspaper printed the title in high school and it kind of took off from there. I have built my businesses off of it and I’m extremely proud to be called it. I am a true believer you are the person you become because of the people you are surrounded by. I am surrounded by the best. People from New Jersey are just tougher, more rugged than anywhere else. We know what it's like to work hard and succeed. I love the nickname and to represent those types of people.”

-- TKR: Looking back, do you have a favorite moment while at Rutgers and what were some of your favorite memories?

Martinek: “Honestly there are too many moments to choose. I can be political and choose any bowl win or a big game, my first touchdown, my first 100-yard game or the time I came back and saw my name and face for the first time as part of the "Knights in the NFL" segment after the first quarter. But the things I will never forget are my teammates, struggling through practices with them, long hot camps, cold tubs and the fun we had together. What also makes me very happy when I look back is seeing how happy it made my family, my friends, my town and the state of New Jersey. WHen Rutgers football is good the feel around the state is different. You see Rutgers stuff everywhere. Being a part of that happiness for people means a lot to me.”

-- TKR: When was the last time you were at Rutgers? Are you itching to get back again?

Martinek: “My dad has season tickets so he begs me to go to a few games every year. His crew, "UKnighted", in the yellow lot is amazing and always so accommodating when I do. I used to go once a year to a game but honestly not in the past few years. I have not felt welcomed and with talking to a few other alums they say the same. With the new coaches, AD, staff, and everyone, they did very little to reach out and incorporate any alumni from my era (unless you are in the NFL). It's very unsettling thinking about all the hours, pain and sacrifices you made are forgotten about. So I have kept my distance. I have however talked to many fans who have shown me so much love and support so I do want to make that a point. I am hoping coach Schiano will right the ship and we can all be proud to be a Scarlet Knight again.”

-- TKR: Does it still feel cool that you’re the leading rusher in high school in N.J.?

Martinek: “Having the record definitely means a lot to me. When you look at the list of people who played high school football in the state and being the best in a category by a large amount is eye opening to me. Sometimes it doesn't seem real. New Jersey is one of the best football states in the country and produces amazing athletes. Sacrificing time with friends and family in middle and high school made that all possible. Long 45 minute car rides in traffic to go train was hard on my parents, but I appreciate them so much for doing it. In all honestly I hope it never gets broken.”

-- TKR: If you were talking with recruits, what would you tell them about Rutgers, especially those from in-state?

Martinek: “I would say look at how many players from Rutgers are in the NFL right now. If you notice something, most of them are from the Schiano era. That is because he treats us like professionals and once we get to the NFL there isn't anything new. With that comes the work ethic on and off the field, being real men and just preparing us for the real world. I would also make it a point to let them know in the real world Rutgers is basically considered Ivy League, so a degree can set you up for a lifetime of happiness. Having your family and friends tailgating to watch you play wearing your number is unreal. For the in-state guys, they need to take that into consideration. I met with my family and friends after every home game. They can be an example to their hometown that anything is possible. Playing in the Big Ten is no joke so why not set an example to young kids who already look up to them that getting to the next level can be attained by staying home.”