Blanche Martin, who appeared in 10 games for the Los Angeles Chargers during the American Football League’s first season and took part in the league’s inaugural championship game, died Saturday at age 89.

The Georgia native arrived in the AFL after a brief stint with the New York Titans in 1960. A knee injury and subsequent release by the Titans opened the door for Martin to sign with the Chargers.

He suited up for Los Angeles throughout the remainder of that inaugural campaign. The Chargers finished the regular season and advanced to the AFL Championship Game, where they fell to the Houston Oilers by a score of 20-16.

Martin’s professional window proved short. Injuries that had already interrupted his college career continued to limit his time at the pro level, and he did not play beyond that single AFL season.

Before turning pro, he had been chosen by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 1959 NFL draft. A knee problem kept him from joining the Rams immediately, prompting a return to Michigan State for one final college season.

At Michigan State, Martin lettered three years under coach Duffy Daugherty. His strongest campaign came in 1957, when the Spartans posted an 8-1 record, finished No. 3 in the final AP and UPI polls, and were named national champions by the Dunkel System.

That year he gained 528 rushing yards, second on the team, and scored five touchdowns on the ground. He also recorded six receptions for 80 yards and a score while leading the squad with 913 all-purpose yards.

A memorable performance arrived against Minnesota on Nov. 16, 1957, as Martin rushed for 134 yards on six carries in a 42-13 Spartans victory. He additionally returned a punt 86 yards for a touchdown versus Illinois.

Over his full college career Martin accumulated 928 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He also handled punting duties and played on squads that went undefeated against both Michigan and Notre Dame.

After football, Martin earned a dental degree from the University of Detroit in 1967 and maintained a practice in East Lansing for nearly four decades. In 1969 he became the first African American elected to the Michigan State Board of Trustees, serving until 1984 and chairing the board from 1974 to 1976.

He worked to expand opportunities for minority students and staff on campus and helped establish the College of Urban Development. Martin remained connected to Spartan athletics later in life and received the Henry Bullough Varsity “S” Alumni Award in 2006.

Born Jan. 16, 1937, in Millhaven, Ga., he moved to Michigan as a boy and excelled in multiple sports at River Rouge High School before arriving in East Lansing. Survivors include his wife, Heidi, along with several children and grandchildren.