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Martin Emerson
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Martin Emerson
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Martin "MJ" Emerson Jr. (born September 27, 2000) is an American professional football cornerback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Emerson grew up in Pensacola, Florida and attended Pine Forest High School.[1] As a senior, he had 91 tackles and two tackles for loss with four passes broken up, one interception, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.[2] Emerson was rated a three-star recruit and committed to play college football at Mississippi State over offers from Miami, Oregon and Ole Miss.[3]

College career

[edit]

Emerson played in all 13 of Mississippi State's games with five starts in his freshman season.[4] As a sophomore, he had 72 total tackles and Southeastern Conference-high 11 pass breakups.[5][6] Pro Football Focus rated Emerson the seventh-best cornerback in coverage in the nation and named him an honorable mention All-American.[7]

Professional career

[edit]

Pre-draft

[edit]

Cory Giddings of Bleacher Report ranked Emerson 7th amongst all cornerback prospects in the draft (60th overall) and projected him to be selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.[8] Kevin Hanson of Sports Illustrated and Thor Nystrom of NBC Sports ranked Emerson as the 11th best cornerback prospect in the draft.[9][10] Scouts Inc. listed Emerson as the 16th best cornerback prospect (112th overall) on their big board.[11] NFL.com media analyst Daniel Jeremiah listed Emerson 20th amongst all cornerbacks in the draft (125th overall).[12] NFL media analyst Lance Zierlein projected him to be drafted in the third or fourth round.

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 1+5⁄8 in
(1.87 m)		 201 lb
(91 kg)		 33+1⁄2 in
(0.85 m)		 10+1⁄8 in
(0.26 m)		 4.52 s 1.59 s 2.56 s 4.14 s 6.90 s 32.0 in
(0.81 m)		 10 ft 4 in
(3.15 m)		 17 reps
Sources:[13][14]

2022

[edit]

The Cleveland Browns selected Emerson in the third round (68th overall) of the 2022 NFL draft.[15] The Browns received this pick in a trade with the Houston Texans where they agreed to send their 2022 third- (68th overall) and two fourth-round selections (108th and 124th overall) in return for a third round pick (44th overall). He was the tenth cornerback drafted. The following day, the Browns traded cornerback Troy Hill to the Los Angeles Rams.

External videos
video icon Browns select Martin Emerson No. 68
video icon Martin Emerson heard from the Browns

"We do not strictly look at how many interceptions he had or how many pass breakups he had only, but you look at the full body of work, how he goes about covering, utilizing his instincts and all of the different components to being a DB."

On May 12, 2022, the Browns signed Emerson to a four–year, $5.41 million rookie contract that includes an initial signing bonus of $1.15 million.[16]

Throughout training camp, he competed to be the third cornerback on the depth chart against A. J. Green and Greedy Williams. Following the departure of Troy Hill, defensive coordinator Joe Woods was tasked with replacing Hill at slot cornerback. In nickel packages, requiring five defensive backs, Woods elected to move No. 2 starting cornerback Greg Newsome II to cover the slot with Emerson replacing him at his usual position as an outside cornerback.[17] Head coach Kevin Stefanski named Emerson the third cornerback on the depth chart to begin the regular season, behind starting cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II.[18]

On September 11, 2022, Emerson made his professional regular season debut during the Cleveland Browns' season–opener at the Carolina Panthers and recorded five combined tackles (four solo) in their 26–24 victory. In Week 6, Emerson earned his first career start after Denzel Ward sustained a concussion against the Los Angeles Chargers the previous week. He recorded six solo tackles and two pass deflections during a 15–38 loss to the New England Patriots. The following week, he recorded four solo tackles and made his first career sack on quarterback Lamar Jackson for a seven–yard loss during a 20–23 loss at the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7.[19] On October 31, 2022, he set a season-high with nine combined tackles (six solo) and made two pass deflections as the Browns defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 32–13. In Week 12, Emerson recorded four combined tackles (three solo) and set a season-high with four pass deflections during a 23–17 overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He finished his rookie season in 2022 with a total of 63 combined tackles (51 solo), 15 pass deflections, and one sack in 17 games and six starts.[20] He received an overall grade of 72.5 from Pro Football Focus as a rookie in 2022.[21]

2023

[edit]

On January 18, 2023, the Cleveland Browns hired Jim Schwartz to be their new defensive coordinator after firing Joe Woods the previous week. He returned to training camp slated as a backup.[22] Head coach Kevin Stefanski listed him as the No. 3 cornerback on the depth chart to begin the season, behind starters Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome.[23]

On October 15, 2023, Emerson recorded six solo tackles, made two pass deflections, and had his first career interception on a pass attempt thrown by Brock Purdy to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk as the Browns won 19–17 against the San Francisco 49ers. Beginning in Week 9, Emerson started nine consecutive games, including six games in nickel packages and three games as an outside corner in the absence of Denzel Ward who injured his shoulder. In Week 10, he set a season-high with eight combined tackles (six solo) during a 33–31 victory at the Baltimore Ravens. On December 10, 2023, Emerson made four solo tackles, three pass deflections, and set a season-high with two interceptions off pass attempts thrown by Trevor Lawrence as the Browns defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 31–27.[24] He was inactive as a healthy scratch in Week 18 as head coach Kevin Stefanski chose to rest as many starters as possible in preparation for the playoffs. He finished the season with 59 combined tackles (45 solo), 14 pass deflections, and a career-high four interceptions in 16 games and 12 starts.[20] He received an overall grade of 65.3 from Pro Football Focus in 2023.[21]

The Cleveland Browns completed the 2023 NFL season with a second place finish in the AFC North with an 11–7 record to clinch a Wild-Card berth. On January 13, 2024, Emerson started in his first career playoff game, earning the starting role over Greg Newsome, and made two solo tackles as the Browns lost 14–45 at the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild-Card Game.[25]

2024

[edit]

Throughout training camp, he battled Greg Newsome II for the role as the No. 2 starting cornerback. Head coach Kevin Stefanski named him the No. 2 starting cornerback to begin the season and paired him with Denzel Ward. On September 8, 2024, Emerson started in the Cleveland Browns' home-opener against the Dallas Cowboys and set a season-high with eight combined tackles (five solo) and made one pass deflection as they lost 17–33. In Week 7, he recorded six combined tackles (five solo) and set a season-high with two pass deflections during a 16–20 loss at the Las Vegas Raiders.[26] He finished the 2024 NFL season with a career-high 82 combined tackles (62 solo) and had five pass deflections, while appearing in all 17 games with 15 starts.[20] The two games Emerson was not credited with a start was due to the Browns beginning the game with a 4–4–3 defense that only necessitated one cornerback. He received an overall grade of 47.9 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked 194th amongst 222 qualifying cornerbacks in 2024.[27]

2025

[edit]

On July 29, 2025, Emerson suffered a season-ending Achilles tear during training camp.[28]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
G GS Comb Total Ast Sack PD Int Yds Avg Lng TD FF FR Yds TD
2022 CLE 17 6 63 51 12 1.0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023 CLE 16 12 59 45 14 0.0 14 4 24 6.0 13 0 0 0 0 0
2024 CLE 17 15 80 62 18 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0
Total 50 33 202 158 44 1.0 24 4 24 6.0 13 0 0 0 2 0

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Martin Emerson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Martin Emerson Jr. (born September 27, 2000) is an American professional football cornerback for the of the (NFL). Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 201 pounds, he played at , where he appeared in 36 games with 28 starts, recording 154 tackles, one , and 16 pass breakups. Selected by in the third round (68th overall) of the , Emerson quickly established himself as a key member of the team's secondary. In his season, he played in all 17 games with six starts, tallying 63 tackles (51 solo), 15 pass deflections, and one sack. His performance improved in 2023, starting 12 of 16 games and leading the team with four interceptions while tying for the team lead with 14 pass deflections, contributing to ' NFL-leading defenses in total and passing yards allowed that year. In 2024, he started 15 of 17 games, achieving a career-high 80 tackles (62 solo), five pass deflections, one forced , and one recovery. In 2025, Emerson suffered a torn left during , sidelining him for the entire season. Emerson's development has made him a cornerstone of Cleveland's defensive backfield, known for his coverage skills and physicality.

Early life

Family background

Martin Emerson Jr. was born on September 27, 2000, in , to parents Tara Davidson and Martin Emerson Sr. His mother initially raised him and his older brother, Martel Emerson, as a in a Christian household, but she lost custody of the boys when Martin was six years old after being imprisoned. Emerson's father, Martin Emerson Sr., also faced incarceration for three years on a probation violation related to resisting arrest, during which time the boys were primarily cared for by their paternal grandmother, Delorise, a pastor who provided emotional support and spiritual guidance. Upon his release, Emerson Sr. gained full custody and raised his sons with a focus on discipline, faith, and work ethic, later starting a landscaping business and a gym where the family contributed. Delorise served as a maternal figure until her death when Martin was 12, an event that deeply affected him; he later honored her with a tattoo of her portrait over his heart. Their paternal grandfather, Marshall, a historian and scholar who emphasized education and respect, had also served seven years in prison and was later cared for by the family in his trailer during his illness. The Emerson family's upbringing was marked by financial struggles and frequent relocations within Pensacola, including a move to the Brentwood neighborhood and later a trailer amid hardships, yet it instilled resilience through shared labor in the business and strong familial bonds. Emerson Sr., a former competitive swimmer and high school diver, balanced "" with the emotional foundation laid by Delorise, shaping Martin's development in a faith-based environment.

High school career

Emerson attended Pine Forest High School in Pensacola, Florida, where he played football under head coach Jason McDonald. Initially a wide receiver, he switched to defensive back during his sophomore year in 2016 at the direction of then-assistant coach Jerry Pollard, a move that Emerson initially resisted but ultimately embraced after recognizing his potential in the role. This transition propelled his development, leading to standout performances on defense. As a junior in 2017, Emerson recorded a team-high 58 tackles and five pass breakups in his first full season as a , contributing to Pine Forest's advance to the region quarterfinals. His senior year in 2018 was even more productive, finishing third on the team with 91 tackles, along with 2.0 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, one , one forced , and two fumble recoveries. Over his high school career, he amassed 149 tackles and eight pass breakups, earning PNJ All-Area honors. Rated as a three-star recruit by , , and , Emerson received over 25 Division I scholarship offers before committing to Mississippi State on July 7, 2018. At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, his size and athleticism made him a versatile prospect.

College career

Recruitment and freshman year

Emerson, a three-star recruit from Pine Forest High School in Pensacola, Florida, received his first college scholarship offer from Mississippi State in the summer of 2017 during his sophomore year. Over the following year, he garnered more than two dozen offers from programs including Arkansas, Auburn, Michigan State, UCF, Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Louisville, Miami, Nebraska, and Ole Miss. On July 7, 2018, as a rising senior, Emerson verbally committed to Mississippi State, citing the program's family atmosphere and early interest as key factors. He signed his National Letter of Intent with the Bulldogs on February 6, 2019, sticking with his initial pledge despite later pursuits from other schools. As a true freshman in 2019 under head coach , Emerson quickly earned playing time in Mississippi State's secondary, appearing in all 13 games with five starts. He recorded 31 total tackles (17 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, one for 45 yards, one pass breakup, and one forced . Paired with fellow cornerback Jarrian Jones—whom coaches nicknamed "Thing 1 and Thing 2" for their rapid rise—Emerson contributed to the Bulldogs' defensive backfield early in the season, starting his first career game against . His performance earned him an honorable mention as a All-American by , highlighting his potential as a long, physical in the SEC.

Sophomore and junior years

As a in 2020, Emerson emerged as a key starter for the , appearing in all 11 games and recording 72 combined tackles (45 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, and 11 pass deflections—numbers that led the and ranked third nationally among cornerbacks. His coverage prowess was highlighted by a grade of 82.9, which ranked him seventh among FBS cornerbacks and third in the SEC (minimum 200 coverage snaps), while the quarterback rating against him stood at 76.1. Despite suffering a in the season opener against LSU, Emerson played through the injury and delivered standout performances, including a career-high 11 tackles and four pass deflections in a loss to Georgia on November 21. Emerson's junior campaign in 2021 built on his prior success, as he started all 12 games and contributed 49 combined tackles (31 solo), three tackles for loss, and three pass deflections amid a 7-6 team record that included a appearance. His refined coverage skills earned him a spot on the Third-Team All-SEC, with a coverage grade of 89.6 that ranked as the second-highest among qualifying cornerbacks since 2020. Key contributions included eight tackles, one tackle for loss, and one pass deflection in a non-conference win over Memphis on September 18, as well as six tackles and one tackle for loss in a loss to on October 16. Over these two seasons, Emerson's physicality and ball skills solidified his reputation as one of the SEC's top cover corners, amassing 121 tackles and 14 pass deflections while allowing just a 55.6% completion rate when targeted.

Professional career

Pre-draft process

Emerson entered the process as a projected late second- or early third-round selection, valued for his length, physicality, and coverage skills developed at Mississippi State. Scouts highlighted his 6-foot-1⅝-inch frame, 201-pound build, 33½-inch arms, 10⅛-inch hands, and 79½-inch wingspan, which provided advantages in press coverage against SEC receivers. His 2021 coverage grade of 89.6 ranked seventh nationally among cornerbacks, underscoring his ball production with one and four pass breakups. At the NFL Scouting Combine in on March 6, 2022, Emerson focused primarily on testing his speed, clocking a 4.53-second that tied for 25th among cornerbacks. He opted not to participate in additional drills like the or shuttle, preserving energy for his school's pro day while showcasing his straight-line speed and physical measurements to evaluators. Combine observers noted his potential as a press corner with the size to disrupt routes, though some questioned his fluidity in change-of-direction drills based on prior tape. Mississippi State's pro day on , , in Starkville served as Emerson's primary platform to address combine limitations, where he improved his to the low 4.4-second range. He also completed a , 10-foot-4-inch broad jump, 4.14-second 20-yard shuttle, 6.90-second three-cone drill, and 17 repetitions, demonstrating improved explosiveness and short-area quickness that elevated his draft stock. Over 20 teams, including , attended, and Emerson's performance reinforced his reputation as a versatile defender capable of zone and man coverage. Throughout the process, Emerson conducted formal interviews with teams, including a brief one with the , though he reported limited overall pre-draft contact that left him surprised by their interest. No major medical concerns emerged from his evaluations, allowing him to focus on private workouts and film sessions that emphasized his toughness and awareness against top competition. Ultimately, these efforts positioned him as a third-round value pick, selected 68th overall by the on April 29, 2022.

2022 season

Emerson was selected by the in the third round (68th overall) of the out of . As a , he quickly impressed in with his 6-foot-2 frame and physical play style, earning praise for his length and ability to contest passes. In the preseason, Emerson recorded a standout pick-six interception return for a touchdown against the on August 12, 2022, showcasing his ball skills and contributing to the Browns' defensive preparations. He also notched his first career sack during the opener against the on September 11, 2022. During the regular season, Emerson appeared in all 17 games for , starting six, and played 782 defensive snaps, accounting for 72% of the team's total defensive plays. He recorded 63 total tackles (51 solo), one sack, and 15 passes defensed, tying for the team lead in the latter category and ranking tied for sixth in the while placing third among all rookies. Despite no interceptions, his coverage was effective, allowing opponents a completion percentage of 53.9% on targets and a passer rating of 85.6 against him. Emerson's rookie campaign solidified his role in a competitive Browns secondary alongside veterans like and , where he led Cleveland's cornerbacks in completion percentage allowed at 50.1%. His performance contributed to ' defense ranking among the league's better units against the pass, despite the team's overall 7-10 record.

2023 season

In the 2023 season, Martin Emerson Jr. emerged as a key contributor to the ' defense, which led the in total yards allowed (270.2 per game) and passing yards allowed (164.7 per game). He appeared in 16 regular-season games, starting 12, and recorded 59 combined tackles (45 solo, 14 assisted), four interceptions for 25 yards, and 14 passes defensed, tying for the team lead in the latter category. His interceptions led the and highlighted his growth as a coverage specialist, with two coming in a single game against the on December 10, marking his first multi-interception performance and including three passes defensed in that 31-27 victory. Emerson's coverage prowess was evident in advanced metrics; among NFL cornerbacks with at least 650 snaps, he ranked fourth in lowest opponent allowed (53.3). According to (PFF), he earned an overall defensive grade of 65.8 (64th among cornerbacks), a coverage grade of 66.5 (tied for 63rd), though his tackling grade lagged at 40.6 (115th), reflecting occasional missed tackles. He became one of only three players to record 14 or more passes defensed in both 2022 and 2023, underscoring his consistency. In the playoffs, Emerson started in the Browns' Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans (14-45), recording two solo tackles and no interceptions or passes defensed in his only postseason appearance. His season solidified his role as a starting outside opposite , contributing to a secondary that ranked first in for points allowed per game (16.8).

2024 season

In the , Martin Emerson Jr. appeared in all 17 games for the , starting 15 of them while logging 829 defensive snaps, which accounted for 77% of the team's total defensive plays. He recorded 80 total tackles, including 62 solo tackles and three tackles for loss, marking a career high in tackles. Additionally, Emerson contributed five pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery for two yards, though he did not record an during the regular season. Emerson's performance in 2024 represented a regression from his prior seasons, as evidenced by his (PFF) overall grade of 47.9, which fell into the "replaceable" category on their scale (59-0) and ranked him among the lowest-performing cornerbacks league-wide. His coverage grade was 48.4, placing him 111th out of 116 qualified cornerbacks, a notable drop from his rookie-year mark of 72.5. Despite these struggles, he remained a key part of ' secondary, often tasked with handling top receivers in man coverage. The Browns' defense as a whole underperformed in 2024, allowing 435 points and finishing with a 3-14 record that eliminated them from playoff contention. Emerson battled an ankle injury late in the season but played through it to complete all games. This challenging year provided motivation for Emerson heading into , where he reflected on "dark moments" as opportunities for growth.

2025 season

In late July 2025, during a practice, Martin Emerson Jr. suffered a torn left , an injury that sidelined him for the entire season. Head coach confirmed the diagnosis following an MRI, noting that Emerson would require surgery and rehabilitation, effectively ending his participation in the 2025 campaign before it began. The injury occurred as Emerson, entering the final year of his rookie contract, aimed to build on a 2024 season that included a career-high 80 tackles. With Emerson out, the Browns explored free-agent options to bolster their secondary depth. Emerson recorded no statistics in 2025 due to the absence.

Awards and honors

College accolades

During his freshman season in 2019, Emerson earned honorable mention recognition on Pro Football Focus's (PFF) All-Freshman Team for his performance as a , where he appeared in 13 games, recorded 31 tackles, one , and one forced fumble. He also received the SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll distinction for maintaining academic eligibility. As a in 2020, Emerson garnered PFF Second-Team All-SEC honors at after leading the with 11 pass breakups and posting an 81.9 overall grade, ranking seventh among FBS . Additionally, he was named to PFF's Honorable Mention team in the flexible defender category, highlighting his versatility in coverage. Emerson also earned a spot on the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll. In his junior year of 2021, Emerson received PFF Third-Team All-SEC honors at , starting all 12 games and accumulating 49 tackles with three pass breakups, contributing to his reputation as one of the top returning defenders in the entering the season.

Professional achievements

In 2022, his rookie season, Emerson earned recognition as a first-team selection on Pro Football Journal's All-Rookie Team, highlighting his immediate impact as a third-round draft pick. He tied for sixth in the with 15 passes defensed, third among all rookies, and was the only defender to start all 17 games. Additionally, he was named ' Rookie of the Week for Week 8 after a performance that included five tackles and a pass breakup against the . During the 2023 season, Emerson recorded a career-high four interceptions, tying for sixth league-wide, and 14 passes defensed, becoming one of only three players to achieve at least 14 passes defensed in both 2022 and 2023. His standout game came in Week 14 against the , where he limited opponents to one catch for two yards on five targets, earning praise for an "All-Pro type performance" from Browns analysts. In 2024, despite a challenging team record, Emerson received preseason accolades as one of the NFL's top press cornerbacks by Touchdown Wire and was listed among the league's most underappreciated players by NFL.com, underscoring his technical proficiency and consistency. He started 15 of 17 games, amassing 80 tackles—his career high—and forced a fumble, though his passes defensed dropped to five amid increased offensive attention. Emerson's 2025 season was cut short by an Achilles tear in preseason , limiting him to no regular-season games and preventing further on-field contributions that year.

Playing style

Physical attributes and strengths

Martin Emerson Jr. possesses impressive physical tools that make him a formidable in the . Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 201 pounds, he combines size and length that are ideal for contesting passes and handling larger receivers. His arm length measures 33.5 inches, providing exceptional reach to disrupt routes at the . Emerson's athletic profile includes a time of 4.53 seconds, which, paired with his explosiveness off the snap, allows him to mirror receivers effectively despite his frame. This quick acceleration and closing burst enable him to recover well after route breaks and maintain coverage on deeper routes. His hip fluidity and twitchiness further enhance his ability to transition smoothly in man coverage. Among his key strengths, Emerson excels in press-man coverage due to his physicality and proactive approach, often jamming receivers to reroute them and battle for positioning on contested catches. He demonstrates strong tackling prowess, with a combative mentality that shines in run support, where he uses his bulk to deliver hard hits and wrap up ball carriers. These attributes have allowed him to shadow elite wide receivers throughout his career with the .

Technique and areas for improvement

Emerson employs a physical, length-driven approach in man coverage, leveraging his 6-foot-2 frame and 33.5-inch arms to jam receivers at the and disrupt routes early. In press coverage, he excels at quick, violent hand strikes to control release points, as seen in successful fades against receivers like and . His off-man technique emphasizes patience and minimal wasted motion, allowing him to mirror routes without biting on double moves, while maintaining eye discipline to react to the . In zone schemes, particularly Cover-3, Emerson demonstrates strong route recognition and positioning, often playing 8-10 yards off the ball to contest passes at the catch point. Despite these assets, Emerson's footwork remains a notable deficiency, characterized by stiff hips and an unnatural backpedal that can lead to balance issues during transitions, causing him to lose a step on explosive receivers. His lack of elite top-end speed hinders recovery on deep balls or against trailing routes, contributing to occasional lapses where he cedes separation. Additionally, he tends to be overly aggressive with his hands, risking penalties under NFL rules, and has shown inconsistency in tackling, with a propensity for arm tackles or submarining that resulted in 7 missed tackles in 2024. In recent seasons, Emerson's coverage has exhibited regression, particularly in 2024 when he allowed a 60.8% completion rate and 5 touchdowns on 701 yards, often due to small technical errors in phase coverage and failure to finish plays at the ball. To elevate his game, analysts recommend refining his hip fluidity for better agility, improving wrap-up tackling to reduce misses, and enhancing overall soundness across coverage phases to regain the consistency that marked his 2022 and 2023 performances.

Career statistics

Regular season

Emerson has appeared in 50 regular season games over four seasons (appearing in three), starting 33 of them, as of November 17, 2025. His defensive contributions include 202 combined tackles, four interceptions, and 34 passes defended. In 2025, Emerson did not appear in any games due to a season-ending Achilles sustained in , placing him on injured reserve in July 2025. No statistics accumulated for the season as of November 17, 2025.
YearTeamGamesStartsComb. TacklesSoloAst.SacksInt.Int. Yds.PDFFFR
2022CLE1766351121.0001500
2023CLE16125945140.04241400
2024CLE17158062180.000511
2025CLE000000.000000
Career5033202158441.04243411
Statistics sourced from Pro-Football-Reference.com. In 2023, Emerson recorded a career-high four interceptions, contributing significantly to the Browns' secondary performance that season.

Postseason

Emerson's postseason experience is limited to one game, the Cleveland Browns' 2023 AFC Wild Card playoff matchup against the Texans on January 13, 2024, which resulted in a 45-14 loss. Starting as the outside opposite , he logged 41 of the Browns' 46 defensive snaps in a game where the Texans' offense, led by rookie quarterback , accumulated 444 total yards. In that contest, Emerson recorded 2 solo tackles with no assists, interceptions, or passes defensed, contributing minimally to a secondary that struggled against Houston's passing attack. His coverage was notably tested, as he surrendered 4 receptions on 4 targets for 108 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 76-yard score to Brevin in the first quarter that highlighted early defensive breakdowns. This performance yielded a of 158.3 allowed, underscoring challenges in preventing big plays against a dynamic . The Browns failed to advance further in the playoffs that year, marking Emerson's only postseason appearance to date. The team did not qualify for the 2024 playoffs after finishing 3-14, and as of November 2025, the 2025 regular season remains ongoing with no postseason games played.
YearTeamGGSCombSoloAstSckFFIntPD
2023CLE112200.0000
Career totals reflect this single outing, with no additional playoff games through the 2024 season.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EmerMa00.htm
  2. https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/players-roster/martin-emerson/
  3. https://hailstate.com/sports/football/roster/martin-emerson/6429
  4. https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2025/07/browns-martin-emerson-jr-faces-career-crossroads-after-achilles-injury-strikes-during-redemption-season.html
  5. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4429568/martin-emerson-jr
  6. https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2022/11/martin-emerson-jr-shares-for-the-1st-time-the-story-of-his-challenging-upbringing-and-his-journey-to-the-browns.html
  7. https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/martin-emerson-upbringing-recent-play-for-cleveland
  8. https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleveland-browns-injuries/101004/mj-emerson-injury-browns-dad-martin
  9. https://www.pnj.com/story/sports/2018/08/07/pine-forest-high-football-star-martin-emerson-thrives-after-change/925606002/
  10. https://www.pnj.com/story/sports/nfl/2024/04/24/pensacola-players-selected-in-the-nfl-draft-standing-out-in-nfl/73437916007/
  11. https://247sports.com/player/martin-emerson-jr-46043261/
  12. https://hailstate.com/news/2022/4/26/football-emersons-grind-helped-him-become-an-elite-corner
  13. https://247sports.com/article/2019-florida-db-martin-emerson-holding-mississippi-state-offer-107784106/
  14. https://247sports.com/college/mississippi-state/article/mississippi-state-picks-up-the-commitment-of-pensacola-florida-defensive-back-martin-emerson-119640254/
  15. https://www.pnj.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2018/07/07/emerson-issues-verbal-commitment-mississippi-state-bound/765514002/
  16. https://www.stateoftheu.com/2019/2/6/18213389/miami-hurricanes-recruiting-3-star-db-martin-emerson-jr-sticks-commitment-signs-mississippi-state
  17. http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/230577/martin-emerson
  18. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/martin-emerson-1.html
  19. https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/mississippi-state/2019/09/12/martin-emerson-jarrian-jones-mississippi-state-football-coach-joe-moorhead-erroll-thompson-sec-west/2295661001/
  20. https://247sports.com/college/mississippi-state/article/mississippi-state-martin-emerson-prepares-for-kansas-state-135505555/
  21. https://www.si.com/college/mississippistate/football/mississippi-state-football-cornerback-martin-emerson-jr
  22. https://hailstate.com/news/2022/4/29/football-emerson-selected-by-cleveland-browns-in-third-round-of-nfl-draft
  23. https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Martin-Emerson-CB-MississippiState
  24. https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/2022/05/05/browns-news-nfl-draft-steal-martin-emerson-jr-third-round-pick-mississippi-state-terrell-buckley-xfl/9644282002/
  25. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/martin-emerson-1/gamelog/2020/
  26. https://www.si.com/college/mississippistate/football/mississippi-state-football-pro-football-focus-all-sec-team-will-rogers-jett-johnson-charles-cross
  27. https://www.si.com/college/mississippistate/football/2022-nfl-draft-martin-emerson-jr-cleveland-browns-mississippi-state-football
  28. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/martin-emerson-1/gamelog/2021/
  29. https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/browns-maven-features/comprehensive-draft-review-martin-emerson
  30. https://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2022memerson.php
  31. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2022-combine.htm
  32. https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/5-things-to-know-about-cb-martin-emerson
  33. https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2022/04/martin-emerson-cb-mississippi-state-nfl-draft-2022-scouting-report.html
  34. https://www.si.com/college/mississippistate/football/2022-nfl-scouting-combine-charles-cross-makai-polk-martin-emerson-jr-mississippi-state-football
  35. https://247sports.com/college/mississippi-state/article/mississippi-state-football-nfl-draft-martin-emerson--185095338/
  36. https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1030795&DraftYear=2022
  37. https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/pro/browns/2022/04/29/browns-select-martin-emerson-no-68-pick-second-round-2022-nfl-draft/9564207002/
  38. https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-select-cb-martin-emerson-with-no-68-pick-in-2022-nfl-draft
  39. https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/why-the-browns-value-martin-emerson-jr-s-length-at-cornerback
  40. https://brownswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/browns/2022/08/12/martin-emerson-pick-six-browns-highlights-jaguars/79178439007/
  41. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EmerMa00/gamelog/2022/
  42. https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/players-roster/martin-emerson/splits/2022/post/
  43. https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/news/browns-highest-graded-player-biggest-surprise-according-to-pff
  44. https://dawgpounddaily.com/2023/02/02/browns-2022-defensive-rookie-review/
  45. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cle/2022.htm
  46. https://www.nfl.com/players/martin-emerson/stats/
  47. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EmerMa00/gamelog/2023/
  48. https://www.rotowire.com/football/player/martin-emerson-16137
  49. https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2024/02/just-how-good-was-browns-cb-martin-emerson-jr-during-the-2023-season-video.html
  50. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EmerMa00/gamelog/post/
  51. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/4429568/martin-emerson-jr
  52. https://www.brownszone.com/2025/01/22/martin-emerson-jr-says-dark-moments-this-season-provide-motivation-will-make-him-better-player/
  53. https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2025/01/how-the-browns-defense-graded-for-the-2024-season.html
  54. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cle/2024.htm
  55. https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/martin-emerson-jr-out-for-the-2025-season-with-torn-achilles
  56. https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/breaking-news/article/browns-confirm-cb-martin-emerson-jr-suffered-season-ending-achilles-tear-204422814.html
  57. https://www.brownszone.com/2025/09/18/martin-emerson-jr-discusses-what-torn-achilles-feels-like-how-fast-he-knew-and-what-went-through-his-head/
  58. https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/cleveland-browns-should-sign-asante-samuel-martin-emerson-replacement
  59. https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/martin-emerson-player
  60. https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-all-freshman-team-of-the-year
  61. https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2020-pffs-all-sec-team
  62. https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2020-pffs-all-american-team
  63. https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2021-all-sec-team-offensive-defensive-player-of-the-year-bryce-young-alabama-nakobe-dean-georgia
  64. https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/news/cleveland-browns-rookie-cb-martin-emerson-jr-named-to-pro-football-journals-all-rookie-team
  65. https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/11/4/23439671/cleveland-browns-martin-emerson-earns-rookie-honor-for-week-8
  66. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2023/leaders.htm
  67. https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/martin-emerson-defensive-performance-vs-jaguars
  68. https://brownswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/browns/2024/05/22/browns-martin-emerson-jr-best-press-cornerback-farrar/73803877007/
  69. https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-s-most-underappreciated-players-browns-martin-emerson-jr-jaguars-andre-cisco-among-afc-picks
  70. https://www.pnj.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/07/30/martin-emerson-jr-out-for-2025-season-with-achilles-tear-injury/85442356007/
  71. https://www.profootballnetwork.com/martin-emerson-mississippi-state-cb-nfl-draft-scouting-report-2022/
  72. https://www.matchquarters.com/p/technique-analysis-martin-emerson-jr-browns-nfl
  73. https://steelersdepot.com/2022/04/2022-nfl-draft-player-profiles-mississippi-state-cb-martin-emerson-jr/
  74. https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/7/26/24474485/browns-roster-martin-emerson
  75. https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401547749/browns-texans
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