A pivotal name not just for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but the city's sports history died at the age of 80.
It was announced that former Pittsburgh Steelers safety and Pittsburgh Penguins executive Paul Martha passed away at the age of 80.
Before he was in the Penguins front office or drafted 10th overall by the Steelers in 1964, Martha was an All-American halfback with the Pitt Panthers.
During his seven season career in the NFL, Martha earned a degree in law from Duquesne University; soon after retiring from football, he got involved with the DeBartolo Corporation.
While working with the corporation, in 1977, Edward J. Debartolo Sr. purchased the Penguins and San Francisco 49ers.
Martha was eventually moved into the Penguins front office as an executive vice president, general council, and CEO.
He maintained his position with the Penguins until Debartolo Sr. sold the Penguins to Howard Baldwin in November of 1991.
Thanks to his involvement with the team, Martha’s name is forever engraved on the Stanley Cup for their championships in 1991 and 1992.
The Penguins released as statement saying that Martha was a giant in Pittsburgh sports history.
Beyond hockey, Martha also held executive roles with the 49ers for three of their Super Bowl championships.
Martha also played a big role in ending the NFL player strike in 1982; he was brought in as an arbitrator and stopped the season from being cut short.
With a hand in so many different roles in multiple sports, Martha grew into one of the most underrated names in Pittsburgh sports history.
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