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Troy Football legend Carlton Martial spent his 2024 summer overseas playing professional football in Finland and is now thinking about his next steps in life. 

The former All-American played for the Kuopio Steelers in Finland as a part of the Maple League this past summer. He ended his season as a Maple League All-Star in his rookie season after amassing 82 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss, one sack, a pass breakup, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. 

“We ended up losing in the (playoff) Semifinals to the Seinajoki Crocodiles. They’re a really good team and we had some errors, some mental mistakes, and couldn’t climb back from that,” Martial said. “Playing with a lot of really passionate – and really good – football players on that team was great, words can’t really describe it. It was a great feeling being around guys that loved football as much as they do.”

While Martial called spending the summer in Finland a “culture shock,” he enjoyed the entire process.

“It was definitely a culture shock with meeting new people and a new way of life, but I would say it’s one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done,” he said. “Being immersed in that culture and meeting all these new people was fun. I met some lifelong friends over there that I’m still in touch with. 

“A lot of people think that football isn’t taken as seriously over there as it is here but the way the players and coaches and everyone goes about things, you could really see the love for the game.” 

Martial said that he still wants to play football, and he’s always ready if the call comes, but he also will soon have even more responsibilities as he and his girlfriend are expecting their first child later this year. 

“I would consider (going back to Finland to play) but having a family coming this June I would really want to be here with my little girl and my girlfriend,” he emphasized. “I would definitely consider going back, though. I’m always ready to play and in shape and ready to go. Whoever calls, I’ll give deep consideration.” 

Martial said he also has his sights set on a possible spot in the United Football League.

“I’m always giving thought to that,” said Martial of the UFL. “I’m looking forward to any opportunity I get and the UFL is definitely something I’ve thought about.” 

Martial is also looking into the future, to life after playing. Former Troy Coach Jon Sumrall said numerous times during Martial’s career that he believed that Division I’s all-time leading tackler had a future in coaching.

“I haven’t received any offers to play the game again yet but I’m looking to getting into coaching, too,” he said. “I feel like I have more to give to the game than just playing. I have knowledge I can give back to the game, things I’ve learned from coaches like Brandon Hall, Andrew Warwick, Neal Brown, Ham Hardmon, Jon Sumrall and Al Pogue. Things I’ve learned throughout my football journey I believe I can share with the up and coming generations.”

Martial’s football knowledge is vast as he went from a former walk-on athlete to becoming a star player and left Troy as one of the most decorated players in school history. He’s the all-time leading tackler in Troy University, Sun Belt and NCAA Division I history. Martial is a three-time All-American, four-time All-Sun Belt performer, two-time Burlsworth Trophy Finalist, 2022 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year and both the Troy Messenger Male Trojan of the Year in 2022 and the Sun Belt Male Athlete of the Year in 2023.  

Martial ended his Troy career with a staggering 577 total tackles, 50.5 tackles-for-loss, six interceptions, eight forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one touchdown.  

“I don’t have a preference,” Martial said of whether he starts his coaching career in high school or college. “Of course getting your foot in the door at a college would be the dream for me but coaching high school is something I would love to do, too.” 

Martial said whether he’s coaching, playing or whatever else he pursues in his life, he just wants to positively impact others.

“I want to have an impact on people’s lives, I’d love to give any upcoming football players pointers and tell them how this journey in football works,” he continued. “I just want to be a positive influence and not just to football players, anything that is looking for guidance in life. That’s my goal, just helping people and being that positive influence on them.”