Why is Don Martindale called Wink Martindale? What is Wink Martindale’s real name?

By McLord Selasi – Updated On:

Don Martindale is an American football coach who is the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League.

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OAKLAND, CA – 2008: Don Martindale of the Oakland Raiders poses for his 2008 NFL headshot at photo day in Oakland, California. (Photo by Getty Images)

Don “Wink” Martindale was born on May 19, 1963, in Dayton, Ohio, United States. He attended Trotwood-Madison High School where he played linebacker for the Trotwood-Madison Rams.

Don Martindale began his coaching career as an assistant for the Defiance College Yellow Jackets whom he had played for in college in the late 1980s. He coached for three seasons at Western Kentucky University on the staff of Jack Harbaugh.

Don Martindale had also coached for three years at the University of Cincinnati. He was a defensive assistant at Notre Dame in 1994 and 1995.

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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 17, 2017: Don Martindale of the Baltimore Ravens walks onto the field prior to a game on December 17, 2017 against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore won 27-10. (Photo by: 2017 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)

The Ravens signed Don Martindale as linebackers coach on February 2, 2012. He was promoted to defensive coordinator on January 9, 2018, after spending the previous six seasons as the team’s linebackers coach.

Don Martindale is married to his wife, Laura with whom he has two children: a daughter Cassie and a son named Ty.

BALTIMORE, MD – JULY 31: Defensive coordinator Don Martindale of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during training camp at M&T Bank Stadium on July 31, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Why is Don Martindale called Wink Martindale?

Don Martindale earned the nickname “Wink” while playing at Defiance College. He received the name because he shared a last name with the famous game show host of the era, Winston Conrad Martindale.

What is Wink Martindale’s real name?

Wink Martindale’s real name is Winston Conrad Martindale.