By BRIENNE GREEN
Sports Editor
His smile could light up a room. There was never a dull moment when he was around. And when you needed a friend, you could count on him to be there.
The emotions and memories that came flooding back to family members and friends of former Bulldog Jose Martinez upon hearing the news of his death Wednesday morning were overwhelming. But through the pain associated with the untimely loss of the 30-year-old Artesia resident wound one common thread: When you think of Jose, you think of joy.
The times were few and far between that the imposing offensive lineman with a heart of gold was seen without an ear-to-ear grin on his face. His larger-than-life personality made a lasting imprint on all who knew him, particularly those that spent time with him on the gridiron.
Martinez excelled in football. His intimidating size and aggressiveness made him the scourge of many a defense at Artesia High School, and his skill allowed him to continue his career, first at Eastern New Mexico University and then in arena football. … For the rest of the story, subscribe in print and on the web.
