Journey For 9/11 Going Across The Country

The New York Giants take on the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl this weekend.  A former Giant great is taking on another challenge that tests his stamina and endurance.  George Martin is walking across the country to raise money for a very special cause called A Journey for 9/11.  News On 6 anchor Craig Day caught up with him in McIntosh County.

George Martin is a long way from the cheering crowds and bright stadium lights of his National Football League days.

On this day, the star defensive end, who won a super bowl with the Giants, is battling 30 mile per hour wind gusts instead of 300 pound offensive linemen.

"It's been challenging, but you know what, that's all part of what makes this journey so great and we look forward to it," said George Martin.

That journey, is a long walk across the United States to bring awareness to the lingering health problems of 9/11 first responders and raising money to cover their medical costs.

"It has happened to Americans who responded to us during our time of need, and this for us is a labor of love, because we're now responding in time," said Martin.

A labor of love that will take him through 15 states  and has amounted to nearly 1,600 miles since leaving New York last September.

"Mostly I think of the rescue and recovery workers.  I think of those individuals that sacrificed themselves," said Martin.

Halfway through his journey across America, the NFL great has raised $1.7 million so far.  A couple of New York area hospitals say they will match whatever he raises dollar for dollar.

Martin has lost 32 pounds and is on his 19th pair of shoes.  He'll eventually finish his journey this Spring in San Francisco.

"When I think about what they went through on our behalf, this pales by comparison," said Martin.

With every step, the former Giant, with a giant mission, is getting closer to his goal of making a difference and helping the heroes of ground zero.

To donate to George Martin's Journey for 9/11 call 1-800-889-8038.

A GPS link on his website also shows exactly where Martin is walking .