Gabe Martin knows what it is like to work hard and overcome challenges. He grew up in Flint, MI, and attended Bowling Green State University (2010-2014). During his time there, Gabe played football and was named first team All-MAC and second team All-MAC despite a knee injury. After attending BSGU for four years and becoming team captain, he went on to play for the Arizona Cardinals (2015-present).

Gabe is now working to assist his hometown of Flint following the water crisis. His efforts have included raising money to provide a water filtration system for every daycare facility in the area, and the first one was installed on April 8, 2016.

One of the biggest inspirations in Gabe’s life has been his grandfather who always pushed him to be the best he could be. Gabe says, “He always said if you were going to do something, do it right or don’t do it at all. And I’ve been striving to live my life accordingly ever since.”

Gabe was recognized as a HearStrong Ambassador on Friday, April 15, 2016, and he assisted the HearStrong Foundation in honoring Ethan and Slayden Sable as HearStrong Champions!

Being a kid from Flint, Michigan, and an undrafted free agent out of Bowling Green State University, I know what it feels like to overcome. Every day I wake up, I remember how hard I had to work to beat the odds against me. I also know how hard I have to continue to work to get where I want to be. What HearStrong does—recognizing people who have overcome their obstacle of hearing loss and being an inspiration to others—is exactly the type of organization I want to be involved with…an organization pushing to help people be better than they are today and beat the odds set against them.