Michael Townsend Martin

Michael Townsend Marting of New York, NY and Longboat Key, FL died April 17, 2010 at home in New York City surrounded by family, after a courageous three year battle with cancer. He was born on November 21, 1941 in New York City to Townsend B. Martin, a founding owner of the New York Jets, and Georgia Shanton who passed away when he was five years old. His stepmother was Irene R. Martin. Michael was the great-grandson of Henry Phipps, a business partner of Andrew Carnegie. The Phipps' family business continues today as Bessemer Trust. He attended Rumson Country Day, Choate, and Rutgers. After serving in the US Navy, Michael became the Assistant General Manager of the NY Jets. While there, the Jets won the Super Bowl in 1969. In 1974, he was named Vice President and Director of Football Operations of the World Football League. At age 34, Michael became the youngest general manager in professional sports when appointed Vice President and general manager of the NY Cosmos of the North American Soccer League. Under his leadership, the Cosmos won NASL crowns in 1977 and 1980. He was a consultant to international sports marketing companies and founded his own business, SportsMark Inc. in 1990. Owner of Michael T. Martin Racing Stable, Michael served on the board of the NY Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (President, 1994-1997). Michael devoted time and resources to numerous non-profit organizations. Michael is survived by Jean Meyer, his wife of thirty years; brother, Alan of Lawrence, KS; son, Ryan and daughter-in-law Maureen, of Butler, PA; son, Christopher of Aurora, IL; stepdaughter, Kathleen Hunt and son-in-law Peter of Chattanooga, TN. Michael, his first wife, Jennifer Johnston Theobald, and Jean were childhood friends. Michael had seven grandchildren, Brandon and Caitlyn Martin, Justin and Margaret Martin, and Mac, Will, and Jack Hunt.