CURTIS' PLAN IS TO RETIRE By MARK CANNIZZARO CURTIS MARTIN Career's over.June 3, 2007 -- The thought of Curtis Martin returning to play one more game or season with the Jets so that he can retire on his own terms is surely a romantic notion. After all, there are few - if any - better men to have worn an NFL uniform than Martin, whose career was halted in the 2005 season because of a degenerative bone-on-bone knee condition, an injury that kept him out all last season. But a published report that stated the 34-year-old Martin was mulling a return is preposterous, according to several well-placed sources, who spoke to The Post on the condition of anonymity yesterday. Contrary to the report, which claimed that Martin has been "talking about trying to come back," Martin actually is plotting his retirement, according to one source who is familiar with both his and the organization's thinking. While it's true the Jets have not yet heard officially from Martin about his impending retirement, they are planning for it. Of course, they traded for Thomas Jones to take over as the feature back the team desperately lacked in Martin's absence last season. It's actually believed Martin might even be waiting to announce his retirement to that he can do it while simultaneously ramping up some sort of business plan that he has so the two can be linked together publicly. Eric Mangini, who was conducting his annual football camp for underprivileged youths at Bulkeley High in Hartford (where he attended), respected Martin's wishes and his timetable, though he didn't indicate that he knew when anything would be resolved officially. "Curtis has been such a great player for such a long time, we'll support whatever he decides and when he decides it," Mangini said. Though Mangini wouldn't say he knew exactly what was on Martin's mind, other sources familiar with the team made it unmistakably clear that there was no way Martin will return. "There's no way he's coming back," one person said. "Not a chance," another said. Martin's career, when it is officially called sometime before training camp begins next month, will end with him firmly placed No. 4 on the NFL's all-time rushing list behind only Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton and Barry Sanders with 14,101 yards. He played in 168 career games and averaged 83.9 rushing yards per game, scored 90 rushing TDs and averaged 4.0 yards per carry. His next significant run will be to the Hall of Fame induction ceremony as soon as he's eligible. That, not a comeback, will have to suffice as the romantic closure to his brilliant career. http://www.nypost.com/seven/06032007/sports/jets/curtis_plan_is_to_retire_jets_mark_cannizzaro.htm
I hope that CM retires. I would like to think of him as best running back in Jets history. Coming back does not prove anything. Curtis, please retire with dignity. :jets:
