MidValleySports.Com

Big George sat down with South El Monte’s Abraham “The Bull” Martinez.

By George Hernandez

[South El Monte] – I sat down with South El Monte’s Abraham “The Bull” Martinez who is a top returner for the Eagles who won the Division 14 CIF championship. Martinez was the 2025 Mission Valley league Lineman of the Year and he also helped out on defense with 14-tackles and sack. 

Q: What’s up kid, how’s it going?

A: Sup coach. I’m doing great, thanks for asking. Just excited for the 5v5s and 11 ons to come. And most importantly me and the Calvary are preparing for this year’s battles.

Q: First, how was it once you knew you were going to be a CIF champion?

A: The feeling was overwhelming, a total rollercoaster of emotions. I was flying high with happiness. All those hours of sweat and tears finally paid off and I could call myself a champion. Honestly, it felt even better proving every single doubter wrong, everyone who hated on me, counted me out, or didn’t believe in me. Now all they can do is respect me and clap for me.

Q: You’re already a champion but what are some of your goals for yourself and the team for this upcoming season?

A: My personal goal is to redefine what a lineman can do. I want to win league MVP and bring home another league championship. As a team, we want to go back to back and solidify the legacy we’ve built here at South El Monte. We also want to embarrass El Monte after that tough loss we took.

Q: Who do you model your game after?

A: Honestly sir, I don’t really model my game after one specific player but if I had to say it’s my older brother. That man taught me everything. He showed me that you don’t have to be the biggest to dominate it’s all about technique, fast feet, and being the smartest guy on the field. I used to watch him growing up. He was undersized but still making plays. He taught me how to be fearless on the gridiron and because of him, I truly believe whoever lines up against me will lose one way or another.

Q: How would your teammates and coaches describe you?

A: I believe my coaches and teammates would describe me as a natural leader. I’m hard working, I lead by example. Everything I do, I do with passion. I’m also a beast on the field, ready to take another man’s will and strike the fear of God into him. I’ll do whatever it takes to set the tone, whether it’s making a big play or saying the right words to fire everyone up.

Q: Every athlete has a routine. What does your game day look like from the moment you wake up until you step onto the field?

A: My game day routine actually starts the night before. I go to 7-11 and get the whole offensive line electrolyte drinks, plus two for myself. I also grab my special gum. The morning of the game, I eat whatever GRANDMA The Bull cooks for me. My favorite is her pancakes with chorizo, papas, and eggs. After that I pray, put my cross in my sock, and get dressed. During the school day I’m watching film and going over every possible scenario. After class we walk the field, then before the game I go into the empty locker room for deep prayer. I put my cross back in my sock, put on my eye black, listen to soothing or country music to get dialed in, and then we hit the field and I’m ready to show the world who the Bull is.

Q: What is the biggest lesson you have learned from football so far?

A: The biggest lesson football has taught me is that it’s bigger than myself. Eleven guys all have to do their job for one play to succeed. There’s no room for excuses. I could be hurt, exhausted, or even bleeding, but when I look at my brothers lined up next to me, I know they’re depending on me to do my job. Football also taught me that nothing is guaranteed. Even when you do everything right, it might not work out. That’s why I always keep in mind what my head coach Frank Gallardo, says: ‘Find a way.’ That’s what keeps me going. There’s no room to be selfish on the field.

Q: How do you handle the pressure of playing in high-stakes games?

A: I thrive in high-stakes games. During the week I prepare for everything by repping out every possible situation that could happen on the field. To me pressure only exists if you’re afraid and I’m never afraid because I’m always prepared. I don’t feel pressure. I am the pressure.

Q: I know you’re only a junior but what are your goals for after high school? Do you want to keep playing?

A: After high school I would love to keep playing and get my education at the same time. Gotta keep mama bear happy. I want to go to a small school D3 program somewhere that feels like South El Monte Not too many people, but the ones who are there are proud of where they’re from. I’d love to get out of California and explore a new part of this God-given earth.

Q: Anything else you would like to say or want us to know?

A: First I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for blessing me with so much, both in and out of football. He’s given me a beautiful family. I also want to thank every coach who’s helped me get to where I am today – from my Jets coaches, to high school coaches and especially Coach Joe who believed in me before I believed in myself. Shoutout to the SEM softball team for always having my back and repping “The Bull” in the stance. Lastly, I just want to say: there’s too much hate in this world. Let’s spread more love. 

THANK GOD FOR SOUTH EL MONTE