http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070726/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_jets_martin_retires_1 NEW YORK - New York Jets running back Curtis Martin, fourth on the NFL's career rushing list, announced his retirement Thursday — 19 months after playing his final game. The five-time Pro Bowl selection said in January that he had probably played his last game because of a bone-on-bone right knee injury suffered during the 2005 season. Martin made the long-anticipated decision official — after months of rehabbing and deliberating — a day before the Jets open training camp. "Retirement is not an end, but a beginning," the 34-year-old Martin said in a statement. "It is not giving up a position, but more of a passing of the baton. And it's definitely not a crossroad, but a bridge that will further my pursuits within the NFL." Martin finished with 14,101 yards rushing in 11 active seasons, ranking behind only Emmitt Smith (18,355), Walter Payton (16,726) and Barry Sanders (15,269). His 3,518 carries are third on the NFL's career list, and his 90 rushing touchdowns rank him tied for 12th with Eric Dickerson. Martin was also a versatile offensive weapon throughout his career, catching 484 passes for 3,329 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Jets will honor Martin in a special ceremony before the beginning of the regular season. Martin tore cartilage in his right knee in Week 2 against Miami in 2005, and aggravated the injury two games later against Baltimore. He played through the pain — typical of the toughness he displayed throughout his career — but ended his season after the Jets' 12th game. It became a bone-on-bone injury when the damaged cartilage was surgically removed that December. His recovery was slow and the team placed him on the physically unable to perform list before training camp last summer so he could further rehabilitate the knee. They put him on injured reserve in November, ending his season. While Martin was present during most team meetings last season and acted as a mentor to some of the younger players, including running back Leon Washington and Cedric Houston, he never played another down in the NFL. Martin spent his first three seasons with New England, including being named the NFL's offensive rookie of the year in 1995. He came to the Jets as a restricted free agent in 1998 and became one of the most popular and successful players in team history. His best year was his last healthy season in 2004, when he led the league in rushing with 1,697 yards and tied Sanders' record with 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons to start a career. I know there are other stories but this one is the first to have post-retirement statements from Martin.
I wonder what he plans on doing within the NFL going forward. I haven't read every article on him recently, has he stated anything specific?
Hey guys, don't feel so bad for the guy. I mean really, how many of you would like to be retired, filthy rich, and poised to make that next big step in your life, all before your 35th birthday? I'm green with envy and wish him only the best!
He was on Mike and Mike just now. Pretty standard CuMar interview, one thing of note that he mentioned is that he's looking into ownership. Interesting to see how far he can get there.
I want his number retired. I know many have clamored for years that Chrebet should be retired, or whoever else, but Martin is one of the best players to ever wear the Green and White. 28 should never be worn by another player on this team again.
It won't be. This is truly a sad day in Jets history....but also a very celebratory day! Keep those avatar changes coming.
Curtis Martin represented the best of what a professional athlete should be both on and off the field. He was a great player and a great human being.
Curtis Martin is the man. Complete class act. Great player. I agree, they should retire #28 at halftime of the first game.
#28 needs to be retired. I don't think I could stomach someone else wearing it. How long until he's eligible for the HOF? Next year?
I'm not positive, but I believe it's three years after retirement, so for CMart, he will be making his Canton speech in 2010.
It's 5 years after retirement, but I don't know what his status will be because he didn't play at all in 2006
Excellent idea! Curtis, may your NFL career rest in peace - right after your induction to the HoF!! :beer: Thanks for the memories!
Ahh, well, he was still part of the team. While not on the active roster, he was a member of the club, so I'm 99% sure he will need to wait till 2012. Damn, that sounds like an awfully long time.
Does anyone else stop to wonder what would have happened if he didn't accept the Jets offer way back when? He most likely would have been the same stand up honorable guy that he is, the Patriots would have probably still won 3 SBs, and he would have at least 1 ring. He also most certainly would have missed out on all the love he's getting from this fan base. Oh well, I hope he's happy with the way things turned out.
Curtis will go to the Hall of Fame and the Jets will retire #28. Typically HOF entry has been the standard for the team to retire a number, they broke the mold with Klecko's #73, but that's because he should also be in the Hall. Nice that the team recognized him even if the Hall doesn't. Curtis will have no such problem.
