Jets Ring of Honor Profile: Curtis Martin

Jan 24, 2010; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets former players Joe Namath (right) and Curtis Martin (left) before the 2010 AFC championship game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

In our continuing Thursday night series profiling the Jets Ring of Honor members, we take a look at a personal favorite of mine, Hall of Fame Inductee Curtis Martin.

After being compared to Tony Dorsett while at the University of Pittsburgh, Curtis Martin was drafted in the 3rd round by our hated rival, the New England Patriots, in 1995 (74th pick overall)

After three strong seasons in New England with Bill Parcells, Curtis signed an offer sheet with the Jets after the 1997 season, which the Patriots refused to match, so Martin became a Jet. In 1998, he gave the running game legitimacy and credibility, as he reunited with his mentor, Bill Parcells. He and the Jets went to the AFC championship game, and Curtis Martin rushed for 1,287 yards and 8 TDs.

In his first seven years as a member of the New York Jets, Curtis Martin only missed one game, and was elected to the Pro Bowl 3 times.

In 2004, Martin became the oldest player(31 years old) to earn a rushing title, rushing for 1,697 yards, beating out Shaun Alexander by one yard.

Curtis Martin rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first 10 seasons in the league, a feat matched only by the great Barry Sanders. He is one of only 16 players with 100 or more TDs. He is the fourth leading rusher in the history of the sport, with 14,101 yards rushing.

His career effectively ended in 2005, when he was placed on injured reserve with a “bone on bone” knee injury, which prevented him from rushing for an eleventh straight season for over 1,000 yards. Martin officialy retired in 2007.

Take a look at the video for a nice stroll down memory lane:

Martin was a member of the inaugural class of the Jets ring of honor, and was elected to the Hall of Fame this year.

A great career, a great guy. Jets Ring of Honor member Curtis Martin.