Don Martindale and Wink Martindale are two famous personalities in the American sports and entertainment industry. Don is a defensive coordinator for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL), while Wink is a veteran disc jockey, radio personality, game show host, and television producer. But are they related by blood or by name? Here is what we found out.
The Origin of the Nickname
Don Martindale’s full name is Don Martindale, but he is widely known by his nickname “Wink”. The nickname comes from his freshman year at Defiance College in Ohio, where he played linebacker for the Yellow Jackets. One of his teammates called him “Wink” after the longtime TV game show host, Wink Martindale, who was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The name stuck and Don has been using it ever since.
According to Wink Martindale’s biography on IMDb, his real name is Winston Conrad Martindale, but he was given the nickname “Wink” by his mother when he was a baby. She said he looked like he was winking at her when he smiled. Wink started his career as a disc jockey at age 17 and later became a successful game show host, hosting shows like Gambit, Tic-Tac-Dough, High Rollers, and Debt.
The Family Connection
Despite sharing the same last name and the same nickname, Don Martindale and Wink Martindale are not related by blood. They are not brothers, cousins, or distant relatives. They are simply two individuals who happen to have a common surname and a coincidental nickname.
However, they do have a connection through marriage. Don Martindale is married to Sandy Ferra, who is the daughter of John Ferra, a former manager of Elvis Presley. Wink Martindale is also married to Sandy Ferra, but not the same one. His wife is Sandy Ferra Martindale, who is the daughter of Dino Ferra, a former Hollywood stuntman and actor. The two Sandys are not related either.
The Mutual Respect
Although Don Martindale and Wink Martindale are not related by blood or by name, they do have a mutual respect for each other’s achievements and careers. They have met several times and have exchanged autographs and compliments.
In an interview with Baltimore Ravens’ website in 2018, Don said that he admires Wink for his longevity and success in the entertainment industry. He also said that he enjoys watching his game shows and listening to his radio shows.
Wink also expressed his admiration for Don in an interview with Giants’ website in 2022. He said that he is proud of Don for his accomplishments and leadership in the NFL. He also said that he follows his games and cheers for him.
Conclusion
Don Martindale and Wink Martindale are two different people who share a common surname and a coincidental nickname. They are not related by blood or by name, but they do have a connection through marriage. They also have a mutual respect for each other’s achievements and careers. They are both successful and influential figures in their respective fields of sports and entertainment.
