The Jet Press Hall Of Fame Nominee: Curtis Martin

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Our next candidate for enshrinement comes to us from news desk reporter, Tyler Moore.

Lately, when you think of New York Jets running backs, the first names that come to mind are Shonn Greene, Chris Ivory, and Bilal Powell. That wasn’t always the case. First thing that comes to my mind when thinking about the topic is hall of fame member, Curtis Martin. He helped the Jets running game be strong for eight seasons before finally retiring.

Martin originally started his career with the New England Patriots, playing three years there before the Jets signed him as a restricted free agent after the 1997 season. His first seven seasons with the Jets, he missed only one game, which came in his first season with the team.

During Martin’s tenure with the Jets, he lifted the run game by provided seven seasons of at least 1,000 yards on the ground. He rushed for 53 touchdowns during that time and added another five his final year. He ran for over 10,000 yards with the Jets and had 2,439 receiving yards with the team as well.

Martin retired at the 2005 season, due to injuries, spending a majority of his career with the team. He was a nominee for the National Football League Hall Of Fame in 2011 but was not inducted. He was inducted in 2012. He was the best running back in Jets history, amassing more yards, touchdowns, and yards per game than any Jets running back during their tenure with the team.