Joe Martinek’s Parma Panthers Fall Short In IFL Super Bowl

Tim Farrell / The Star-Ledger

While his home country celebrated independence on July 4, Joe Martinek was in Italy playing football. The former Rutgers running back/fullback signed with the Parma Panthers of the Italian Football League in May, and helped guide them to their big game, the IFL Super Bowl.

However, the Milano Seamen defeated his Panthers 24-14 in Milan, Italy at Velodromo Vigorelli in front of 7,000.

Martinek finished the game with eight carries for 34 yards, and two catches for 17 yards and fourth quarter touchdown.

On the season, “Jersey” Joe totaled 99 carries for 567 yards and eight touchdowns. The  6-0, 225-pound back also snagged five catches for 68 yards and two scores. Martinek helped pace the Panthers on the ground, where the team finished ranked second in rushing offense with 1,196 yards and 19 touchdowns and 119.2 rush yards per game.

Martinek first signed with the New York Giants in 2012 after his career at Rutgers ended, and spent some time on the practice squad. The Hoptatcong, N.J. native is still the state’s all-time high school leading rusher with 7,589 yards.

You can watch highlights of the game here, and Martinek’s touchdown pass comes up around 5:30 minute mark.

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Joe Martinek #99 – IFL