Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Martin Emerson

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 2, 2026

Discover the career path of Martin Emerson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Martin "MJ" Emerson Jr. is a professional American football cornerback currently playing for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL. He previously played for the Cleveland Browns, who drafted him in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft. Before entering the NFL, Emerson played college football at Mississippi State University for the Bulldogs.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 12, 2022: Signed Rookie Contract

On May 12, 2022, Martin Emerson signed a four-year, $5.41 million rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns, including a $1.15 million signing bonus.

September 11, 2022: Professional Debut

On September 11, 2022, Martin Emerson made his professional regular-season debut for the Cleveland Browns in their season opener against the Carolina Panthers, recording five combined tackles in the 26-24 victory.

October 31, 2022: Season-High Tackles

On October 31, 2022, Martin Emerson recorded a season-high nine combined tackles and two pass deflections in the Browns' victory against the Cincinnati Bengals.

2022: Drafted by the Cleveland Browns

In 2022, Martin Emerson was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round (68th overall) of the NFL draft after the Browns traded picks with the Houston Texans to acquire the selection. He was the tenth cornerback drafted that year.

January 18, 2023: Browns Hire New Defensive Coordinator

On January 18, 2023, the Cleveland Browns hired Jim Schwartz as their new defensive coordinator.

October 15, 2023: First Career Interception

On October 15, 2023, Martin Emerson recorded his first career interception, picking off a pass from Brock Purdy intended for Brandon Aiyuk, during the Browns' 19-17 victory against the San Francisco 49ers.

December 10, 2023: Season-High Interceptions

On December 10, 2023, Martin Emerson had a season-high of two interceptions off of Trevor Lawrence during the Browns' 31-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

2023: 2023 NFL Season

In 2023, The Cleveland Browns completed the season with an 11-7 record, securing a second-place finish in the AFC North and clinching a Wild-Card berth.

January 13, 2024: First Career Playoff Game

On January 13, 2024, Martin Emerson started in his first career playoff game. He recorded two solo tackles during the Browns' 14-45 loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Game.

September 8, 2024: Home-Opener vs Cowboys

On September 8, 2024, Martin Emerson started in the Cleveland Browns' home-opener against the Dallas Cowboys and recorded a season-high eight combined tackles, and made one pass deflection in the 17–33 loss.