Introduction

Michelle Martin was once married to NFL icon George Atkinson II, a celebrated defensive back known for his time with the Oakland Raiders. However, her story stands apart — marked by family challenges, quiet resilience and a largely private life. This article explores Michelle Martin’s background, her role in a high-profile family, her struggles and contributions, and what she represents beyond the headlines.

Early Life and Background

Very little verified information exists around Michelle Martin’s birth date, place of birth, or early childhood. What is known: by adulthood she lived in California, and she played a central role as mother to twin sons born to George Atkinson II. Her journey began outside the spotlight, and the limited public records suggest she navigated life away from celebrity while intersecting a sports legacy.

Family, Parents, and Siblings

Public documentation does not clearly list Michelle Martin’s parents or siblings, and her background remains mostly private. What is evident: in the 1970s/80s she became involved with George Atkinson II, with whom she had twin sons, George Atkinson III and Joshua (“Josh”). The family dynamic proved challenging; reports state Michelle endured mental health issues and hospitalization, which affected her ability to parent in full during her children’s youth.

Education

There is no published record of Michelle Martin’s formal education — schools attended, degrees earned or professional credentials listed in accessible databases. Given the limited information, it appears her life trajectory focused more on family and personal circumstance than public academic or career achievement.

Career or Profession

Michelle Martin did not gain public prominence for a professional career or business venture. Her role in the public domain is largely defined through her identity as mother to children of a known athlete, and the difficulties she faced involving mental illness and institutionalization. Her “profession,” if it may be described, seems to have been rooted in motherhood — though with obstacles that shaped her personal legacy.

Relationship or Personal Life

Michelle Martin married George Atkinson II (NFL veteran) and they had twin sons: George Atkinson III and Joshua. Reports indicate that during her sons’ childhood, Michelle suffered from severe mental health issues (including paranoid schizophrenia and addiction) and at times was institutionalized. These issues forced Atkinson II to assume primary custody of the twins when they were around age 13. Tragically, Michelle Martin died on October 24 2018 at the age of 58, shortly before the subsequent death of one of her sons.

Net Worth

No reliable data is available to estimate Michelle Martin’s net worth. Her public identity was not tied to high-profile earnings, major business ventures or public assets. Given the context, it is reasonable to assume her net worth would be modest or largely tied to family and personal assets rather than public wealth accumulation.

Interesting Facts

• Michelle Martin is described in the record as having been institutionalized due to mental illness, which deeply impacted her family life and the upbringing of her sons.

• Her ex-husband George Atkinson II later lost both twin sons (George III and Joshua) under tragic circumstances — amplifying the family’s story of legacy and loss.

• Michelle’s story underscores the often unseen challenges faced by families of high-profile athletes: fame, mental-health struggle, and the human costs behind the game.

 

Social Media Presence

There is no public, verified social-media presence for Michelle Martin identifiable in mainstream sources. Her private status and the time of her passing (2018) suggest she did not maintain a significant online persona.

Recent News or Updates

Michelle Martin’s passing in October 2018 remains the most recent public update tied to her. Her ex-husband’s death in October 2025 has renewed interest in the broader family story, including Michelle’s role and the twin sons she bore. Media revisiting the Atkinson legacy make mention of her as part of the family narrative around loss, mental health and identity.

Why Michelle Martin Matters

Although Michelle Martin never occupied the public spotlight the way her ex-husband did, her story is important. It highlights the human dimension behind sports stardom — a mother navigating mental illness, family care, and legacy issues. Her life reminds us that behind every famous athlete is a network of relationships, hidden struggles, and untold stories. Her name may be lesser-known, but the life she lived intersects public history in meaningful ways.

FAQ

Q1: Who was Michelle Martin?
A: Michelle Martin was the ex-wife of NFL legend George Atkinson II and mother of twin sons George Atkinson III and Joshua.

Q2: What happened to Michelle Martin?
A: She reportedly struggled with severe mental‐health issues, was institutionalized at points, and passed away on October 24, 2018.

Q3: Did Michelle Martin have children?
A: Yes, twin sons George Atkinson III and Joshua (Josh) Atkinson, who themselves tragically died at young ages.

Q4: What does Michelle Martin do?
A: Publicly, no major profession or career is documented. She is known for her role as mother and for the challenging family circumstances she faced.

Q5: Is there recent news about Michelle Martin?
A: While Michelle died in 2018, recent releases about George Atkinson II (who died October 27, 2025) have brought renewed attention to the family and thereby to Michelle’s role in it.