ESPN: Jets running back Martin to announce retirement this week

[MTK]

Say goodbye to one of the greats:

ESPN - Martin to make it official, retire from Jets, NFL - NFL

Jets running back Curtis Martin, the fourth leading rusher in NFL history who hasn't played since the 2005 season, will make it official this week and announce his retirement from the NFL.

[BigSKINBauer]

Yeah, definitely the time to go. Great career and seems to be a decent guy.

[Redskin Rich]

Great dude on the field and off

[Monkeydad]

He was a quiet 4th all-time rusher. When we think of the best RBs ever, he doesn't come to mind, but that's probably because he didn't promote himself much, sort of in an Art Monk-ish way. He just showed up and produced consistently. New England was dumb to get rid of him, especially after his first 2 seasons with 14 TDs each year.

[Cowell]

You know I really liked the Jets because when I first started watching football Curtis Martin was amazing, I do think it's around time for him to retire though, good move Curtis.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

He was one of the most underrated backs in the league.

[dmek25]

i think alot of people do not realize how good/ consistent Martin has been over the years. might fall into the same deal with the hall that Monk is in

[skinsfan_nn]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

He was one of the most underrated backs in the league.

Yes. Very solid for many years! Highly UNDERRATED.

[GTripp0012]

I don't necessarily think Martin was underrated, because he got his dues throughout his career, especially during his improbable 2004 season. Hes undoubtably a first ballot HOFer.

[SmootSmack]

So he and Marshall Faulk go into the Hall together? What about Tiki? Do all three go in together? If you had to pick one to go, which one is it?

[dmek25]

I'm not sure if I'm sold on Tiki Barber in the hall. had a good 4-5 year run. smooty, do you know what his career stats look like?

[MTK]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

So he and Marshall Faulk go into the Hall together? What about Tiki? Do all three go in together? If you had to pick one to go, which one is it?

Without thinking about it too much I would rank them

1) Faulk - without a doubt a sure fire first ballot HOF'er

2) Martin - I think he's a lock for first ballot but there doesn't seem to be a consensus on him, he could get the Monk treatment.

3) Tiki - not sure that he's first ballot material, very close though

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by dmek25

I'm not sure if I'm sold on Tiki Barber in the hall. had a good 4-5 year run. smooty, do you know what his career stats look like?

Off the top of my head no, but I think he had around 10,000 yards rushing and 6,000 receiving and 100 or so TDs over a 10 year career

[Riggo44]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Without thinking about it too much I would rank them

1) Faulk - without a doubt a sure fire first ballot HOF'er

2) Martin - I think he's a lock for first ballot but there doesn't seem to be a consensus on him, he could get the Monk treatment.

3) Tiki - not sure that he's first ballot material, very close though

I would agree with that. The only sad thing is Martin had his best year in 2004 at the age of 30. (Also his last full season) If he could have stayed healthy a few more years who knows how many yards he would have gained.


Does anyone know how many yards Emmitt Smith had when he was 30?

[mooby]

It's sad to see him retiring, but it's time. His body is worn out from all those years. I hope he continues to have a productive life, he was def. one of those underrated backs that never got the due they deserve.

As for the HOF argument, I think Faulk and Martin are first ballot HOF'ers. Faulk will def. get in, but Martin may be somewhat borderline because in a sense he was the Art Monk of running backs. He put up the stats, but he did it in a quiet demeanor and even though he's the fourth leading rusher of all time people will look past that. I don't think Tiki will make it because he had a good run of about 3 years, and he wasn't consistently great over the course of his career.