Linebacker Blake Martinez puts Pokemon trading card business on hold, returns to NFL with Panthers

Blake Martinez has put his embattled Pokemon trading card business on hold and is returning to the NFL. The 29-year-old linebacker has joined the Carolina Panthers practice squad and the team is hoping he can help offer some stability to a position that has been ravaged by injuries. The Panthers play the Chicago Bears on Thursday night, although coach Frank Reich said he’s unsure if that will be enough time for Martinez to get up to speed given that he’s only participated in one practice. Martinez has been out of football since last November when he abruptly announced his retirement from the Las Vegas Raiders to focus on “family and future passions.”