Ranking the top 10 running backs in NY Jets history

1. Curtis Martin, RB, NY Jets

Was there really any surprise here? Curtis Martin, not only the best Jets running back in team history, is also arguably one of the five best running backs in NFL history.

Martin stands atop the list as the greatest running back in Jets' history. During his tenure from 1998 to 2005, Martin amassed an impressive list of accomplishments. He became the franchise's all-time leading rusher, reaching the 1,000-yard mark in each of his first 10 seasons.

Martin was traded from the rival New England Patriots to the Jets back in March 1998 and became the star running back of the modern era for the team.

In eight seasons with the team, Martin ran 2,560 times for 10,302 yards, adding 58 rushing touchdowns. Martin also managed to catch 367 passes for 2,439 more yards and an additional five scores.

Martin made the Pro Bowl three times with the Jets and also made the All-Pro team in 2004. The 2004 season was certainly one for the record books as Martin carried the ball 371 times for almost 1,700 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Martin was also the 1995 Rookie of the Year with the Patriots, where he also made two more Pro Bowls for a total of five in his career.

In seven postseason games with the Jets, Martin ran 133 times for 528 yards and three scores, adding another 250 yards through the air, holding the Jets record for most postseason rushing yards.

Much like Freeman McNeil marked a shift from the rest of the pack, Martin ranks in a group of his own. He tallied more than 2,000 yards more than McNeil (in far fewer games), almost 700 more carries, and 20 more touchdowns than McNeil.

Martin also finds himself in the uppermost echelon of NFL greats as well. Martin ranks fourth in all-time carries, sixth all-time in rushing yards, 13th all-time in rushing touchdowns, and 10th all-time in scrimmage yards.

Martin also ranks fourth in Jets history in Approximate Value added (Pro Football Reference), behind only Don Maynard, Mo Lewis, and Joe Namath. Not too shabby on Jets' all-time great company.