Curtis Martin elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin

Curtis Martin is a Hall of Famer.

The New York Jets running back will join Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy, Dermontti Dawson, Willie Roaf and Jack Butler in Canton.

Bill Parcells, along with Cris Carter, Charles Haley, Andre Reed and Aeneas Williams were not elected. Parcells made it to the final 10, but no further.

Martin finished his 11-year career with the Jets and Patriots as the NFL’s fourth all-time rushing leader with 14,101 yards.  Running for over 1,000 yards in 10 of his 11 seasons, Martin wanted to go in with the man he called Friday “my father figure and mentor.” He even said he would forfeit his spot if it meant Parcells got the Hall call.

“The values that got me into the Hall of Fame were instilled in me by (Parcells),” Martin said. “I always thought I would have a two- or three-year NFL career. The difference between colleges and the pros is dedication and hard work. I got those values from Bill.

“It was always my goal to be the best practice player every day and the game would take care of itself. At the end of a practice I’d be angry if I wasn’t one of the best players on the field.”