A good article by KC Joyner on why Curtis should be in http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2010/insider/columns/story?columnist=joyner_kc&id=6086390
If Bettis gets in and Curtis doesn't they ought to just close the place. Curtis is ahead of Bettis in all time rushing yards, and 2000 yards ahead in yards from scrimmage. Yeah, Curtis doesn't have a ring, but it isn't Martin's fault the Jets douched the second half in Denver in 98.
I agree completely. I am hoping the having the backing of Parcells will win Martin the votes that he needs.
It was partially his fault but a ring is a team accomplishment, the Hall of Fame should be about the individual's resume.
Curtis wouldn't fumble 1st and goal in Indy to wrap up the AFC Championship game. Bettis has Roethlisberger and Vanderjagt for that ring.
If the refs hadn't overruled Troy's interception that game would have been over a lot sooner. Both players are amongst the very best ever at their position. I would give the slight nod to Martin because he did have the more productive career stats wise. So again, whether they get in first ballot or 3rd....both players belong in the Hall
Martin - 4 Seasons over 1400 1 rushing title Bettis - 3 Seasons over 1400 0 rushing titles Martin has more yards, more TD's, and more yards per carry and more per game. I know someone probably went over these stats before but I am just making sure that there is no reason the fat slob should get in before him.
Bettis' ring argument is a joke. He sucked that season. He was just along for the ride. Deuce Staley was more productive for that team than him. Martin is by far, better.
I was bitching about the interception that was overturned in the AFC Divisional game that let the Colts hang around longer than they should have. A ruling that was later proven to be innaccuract by the league.
Bettis had something 9-10 touchdowns that year. His role was as a goal line back and the image of him barreling over Brian Urlacher in the snow that year is forever etched in the minds of Steeler fans. He had his role and he did it well.
And again...I am on record as saying Martin should be in there first so don't turn this into a flame war.
The ring matters. There's usually a negative stigma on a top player's career when he doesn't have a championship. Same applies to basketball & baseball. I think it's BS but it's been this way forever ... so nobody should be surprised. Elway was a HOF qb but picked up his rings when he was way past his prime and behind Terrell Davis prime years. Yet somehow these rings validate Elway to many people. Spurs tanked & drafted Tim Duncan & now Robinson has two rings & David Robinson's career is now validated to many basketball fans. I think Martin was a better RB but the gap isn't so big. Combined w/ only Bettis has ring ... I'd expect Bettis to be in the HOF before Martin. The ring will blind many voters' perceptions when evaluating these two players. Martin deserves to be in HOF but he might have to wait a few seasons.
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