After 11 super productive, yet rarely spectacular seasons, Hall-of-Famer-to-be Curtis Martin retired today. Martin came out of the University of Pittsburgh and immediately established himself as a force to be reckoned with rushing for 1,487 yards and 14 touchdowns as a rookie for the New England Patriots in 1995. He went on to rush for 1,000 yards for 10 consecutive seasons with the Patriots and the New York Jets. His best season was 2004 when he rushed for 1,697 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
A model of durability and consistency, Martin finished his career as the NFL’s fourth leading rusher of all time with 14,101 yards to go along with 90 rushing touchdowns and 484 receptions. His only knock is a 4.0 yards per carry average but he was the epitome of a workhorse averaging 1,282 yards and 320 carriers per season, and missing only eight games in 11 seasons at the most demanding position in professional football. Martin has also been to a Super Bowl (1996 season) and an AFC Championship (1998 season).
Martin may be the lowest profile Hall-of-Famer you may come across. He is behind only Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton and Barry Sanders on the all-time rushing list, and ahead of Jerome Bettis, Eric Dickerson, Tony Dorsett, Jim Brown, Marshall Faulk and Marcus Allen, among others, yet rarely gets recognized as a top NFL rusher. Now that he is retired, fans may begin to appreciate Martin’s achievements.
2 comments:
C-Mart was a horse but can you really compare him with the greats at his position? Hall of Fame yes but greatness probably not.
We will miss Mr. Martin. He is easily top 10 RB's of all time and an automatic Hall of famer. A class act in the NFL, which is low on class on every level. He will also be joined by the Bus of the great Steelers.
Football is back...thank God
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