Martel Van Zant attended the NFL Combine last week in Indianapolis. He didn't work out for scouts because of an ankle injury. But the trip was a huge success.
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Van Zant was born deaf after his mother contracted chicken pox during pregnancy. His unique story made him one of the most popular players in Oklahoma State history.
But Van Zant proved he's more than a human interest story. He started 22 games at cornerback, compiling 127 career tackles and two interceptions.
Van Zant isn't ready for his career to end. That's why he and his interpreter Allie Lee made the trip to Indianapolis.
"We wanted to make sure that teams knew any communication issues would go out the window if they could actually meet and interview him and be around Allie,” said Kelli Masters, Van Zant's agent. "The feedback across the board was positive.”
Lee and Van Zant interviewed with 16 NFL teams.
"The meeting with the Chargers definitely was the best,” Masters said. "Combine week is so crazy. I was hoping we would get to meet with a handful of teams. But we interviewed with half the teams and talked briefly with a few others.
"Once teams saw Martel and Allie, they wanted to come over and talk with him. It worked out really well. Every football player, their ultimate goal is to go to an NFL camp. He's excited.”
Van Zant, 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, is a physical corner with adequate speed. His plan is to be fully recovered from a dislocated ankle tendon by OSU's pro day on March 12.
Because he was injured much of his senior year, and was unable to participate in the combine, Van Zant likely won't be selected in the April draft. But Masters said the trip to Indianapolis should assure some team will sign him.
"I'm sure he'll be in a mini-camp,” Masters said. "We don't just want to get him a tryout but a contract. Our goal is some team signs him as a priority free agent.”
Van Zant is well-known in Oklahoma and Big 12 country. Next year his life story might be told in a major motion picture that will be shown in theaters.
The movie would be Van Zant's version of "Rudy,” the widely acclaimed film of a young man who beat long odds as a walk-on player at Notre Dame. If a movie deal is signed soon, as expected, filming could begin as early as this fall.
Van Zant's story already has been told on national television networks. Parents of deaf children across the country have written him. In April, he will speak at the Helen Keller Foundation banquet in Alabama.
Two deaf players have played in the NFL — Kenny Walker (Denver Broncos, early 1990s) and Bonnie Sloan (1973 with St. Louis Cardinals).
Van Zant's backup plan is to coach at a mainstream school, possibly a deaf school. Dozens of letters, and a movie deal, are proof he will have a huge impact regardless of how he fares this summer in an NFL training camp.
"Martel is so grounded he would never put all his eggs in one basket,” Masters said. "He just feels he can impact more people if he makes it in the NFL. That's where his focus is right now.”
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I REALLY want Martel to get his shot to prove himself at the NFL level, but know this, a heart of gold like his will take him farther in life than an NFL contract will. I wish we had more role models like him.
I love this kid! I've met some other players from both schools that weren't so nice but this guy was awesome. Even this OU fan is very glad to have met him.
My son met Martel at the Kansas basketball game Saturday when he and Allie sat down across the isle from us. He was very gracious and talked to my son for a minute. Martel made a great impression on my son and is a true gentleman. OSU and America needs more people like Martel.
Way to go Martel! It has been great watching him grow at OSU. Some credit needs to go to the coaching staffs that gave him a chance. Miles and Gundy both embraced Martel. This is a great story and I hope the DOK keeps us informed on his progress.
My son, born hearing impaired, received a headshot and letter of encouragement from Martel a couple of years ago. Both are tastefully framed and hanging proudly on my son's bedroom wall as a constant reminder that the only handicap we have are those of the will.
Martel has always been a very positive influence for millions -- not just those hearing impaired.
He WILL be a success at whatever he does because he believes in himself.
Martel has his wonderful, strong parents to thank for much of his success, too. They never allowed him to think himself as different or handicapped.
As an OSU Cowboy, I'm so proud that Martel and his family joined our Cowboy family. He is truly a great ambassador for not only OSU, but for humanity.
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Oklahoma State cornerback Martel Van Zant, left, and his interpreter Allie Lee, visited the NFL Combine last week and met with 16 teams. BY MATT STRASEN, THE OKLAHOMAN
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Martel has always been a very positive influence for millions -- not just those hearing impaired.
He WILL be a success at whatever he does because he believes in himself.
Martel has his wonderful, strong parents to thank for much of his success, too. They never allowed him to think himself as different or handicapped.
As an OSU Cowboy, I'm so proud that Martel and his family joined our Cowboy family. He is truly a great ambassador for not only OSU, but for humanity.