Class-Act Curtis Martin to Retire

Jets RB Curtis Martin will officially retire Friday after being unable to play last season due to a severe knee injury. I know it will be a sad day for all Jets fans having to say goodbye to Curtis. He is about a classy an athlete as their is in the NFL. With all the negative light the NFL is getting because of the Michael Vick situation, we should all take a moment and remember the good Curtis brought to the NFL. He is involved in many different charities, and will undoubtedly expand on that in his retired years. I think Curtis will want to live a quiet retirement as he is a quiet individual, but I think he would be perfect to put on an NFL sub-committee thats objective is to clean up the game. He'd be a terrific spokesman for the league.

As for his career, Curtis wasn't a flashy elite back like Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, or Marshall Faulk, but he did compile mighty fine season after mighty fine season. Martin was only the 2nd running back to start his career with 10 straight 1,000 yard rushing seasons. He would have made that 11 straight had he been able to complete the 2005 season. Martin had 735 yards through 12 games, so 1,000 was a forgone conclusion. Up until that injury, Martin never missed time. I've seen him play on badly sprained ankles, other knee problems, and the everyday bruises a running back gets. The 2004 season was definitely a special one. When everyone thought Curtis was too old and should step back for LaMont Jordan, he only ran for 1,697 yards and 12 TDs. He would win the rushing title by 1 yard over Shaun Alexander. Of course, the Jets were a Doug Brien FG away from making it to the AFC Championship Game that year. The 2005 breakdown was sad to watch, but my lasting memories will come from that 2004 epic season from the "old man".

Curtis, you will be missed, and I am looking forward to 5 years from now when you'll be a sure fire, first-ballot hall-of-famer. Thank you for the memories!

Pat Morgan