Martez Ivey

Martez Ivey
	Ivey with the Edmonton Elks in 2023
No. 62 – Edmonton Elks
Position:	Offensive line
Personal information
Born:	July 25, 1995 (age 29); Apopka, Florida, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:	335 lb (152 kg)
Career information
High school:	Apopka (FL)
College:	Florida
Undrafted:	2019
Career history
	New England Patriots (2019); Tampa Bay Vipers (2020); Carolina Panthers (2021); Toronto Argonauts (2021–2022); Edmonton Elks (2022–present);
	* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:	Active
CFL status:	American
Career highlights and awards
	CFL West All-Star (2024); 2× Second-team All-SEC (2017, 2018); Freshman All-SEC (2015); Mid Season All-XFL (2020);
	Stats at Pro Football Reference
	Stats at CFL.ca

Martez Ivey (born July 25, 1995)^[1] is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Florida. Ivey has also been a member of the New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Vipers, Carolina Panthers, and Toronto Argonauts.

Early life

Ivey attended Apopka High School in Apopka, Florida. In his sophomore year, Ivey helped protect quarterback Zack Darlington as Apopka went on a 13–2 record, and won the 2012 FHSAA Class 8A state title over Cypress Bay.^[2] The following year, Apopka reached the state 8A final again, but lost to South Dade.^[3] After Darlington graduated, the offensive load was carried by halfback Chandler Cox. With Ivey paving the way, Apopka went 12–4 and beat Miami Columbus for the 2014 Class 8A state title.^[4] Ivey was recognized with the Hall Trophy as the U. S. Army Player of the Year.^[5]^[6]

Regarded as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Ivey was ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle prospect in his class.^[7] With offers from virtually every major football program, Ivey said he was “50/50” between Florida and Auburn after his final visit.^[8] On National Signing Day 2015, he announced his commitment to the University of Florida.^[9]^[10]

College career

In August 2015, Ivey suffered a slightly torn meniscus in his left knee during practice, and was scheduled for arthroscopic surgery on August 28.^[11] He was sidelined for a little more than two weeks,^[12] before making his college debut against Kentucky on September 19.^[13] Ivey played in the final twelve games of the season, starting in the last eight including the Citrus Bowl against Michigan. After the season, Ivey was named to the SEC All-Freshman team by the conference's coaches.^[14]

Professional career

New England Patriots

On July 30, 2019, Ivey signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent.^[15] He was released during final roster cuts on August 30, 2019.^[16]

Tampa Bay Vipers

Ivey was drafted in the 2nd round in phase two in the 2020 XFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Vipers.^[17] He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.^[18]

Carolina Panthers

Ivey signed with the Carolina Panthers on April 6, 2021.^[19] He was waived on August 28, 2021.^[20]

Toronto Argonauts

On October 15, 2021, Ivey signed with the Toronto Argonauts. He appeared in one game for the Argos during the regular season.

Edmonton Elks

The Edmonton Elks traded for Ivey just before the 2022 CFL season, acquiring him and defensive back Jalen Collins from the Toronto Argonauts for a 2023 6th Round Draft Pick.^[21] Ivey played in 15 games for the Elks in his first season with the club. After missing training camp and both preseason games, Ivey was added to the active roster on May 29, 2023, after he resolved an issue with his passport.^[22]