Curtis Martin Named a Hall of Fame Semifinalist

by John B on Nov 28, 2010 7:34 PM EST

Curtis Martin took the next step to making the Pro Football Hall of Fame today.

Former Jets running back Curtis Martin, the NFL's fourth-leading rusher of all time, was announced as one of 26 modern-era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2011.

There's no question that he belongs in, but I'll stand by my prediction the writers will rip him off and not put him in on the first ballot. The fact of the matter is what Curtis did wasn't flashy. He didn't do anything stunning on film. He didn't draw attention to himself by taking part in crazy end zone celebrations. He was a great teammate, not a bad one. He didn't get in trouble off the field.

These are things writers tend to subjectively associate with the Hall of Fame instead of being elite at one's position for a long time as Curtis was. I hope for the best, but I have seen too many deserving candidates denied entry.

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To be honest, I don’t think he gets in this year. You got guys like Cris Carter and Marshall Faulk up as well.

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by Ryan Alfieri on Nov 28, 2010 7:41 PM EST reply actions

i hope youre mstaken but we’ll see. my favorite jet ever

metsjetsknicksrangers.............can it get any worse?

by dabu7 on Nov 28, 2010 7:52 PM EST up reply actions

It would be nice if he went as a Patriot

Not trolling, just stating

by satsunada on Nov 28, 2010 7:54 PM EST reply actions

No, it would be a travesty (even from an objective standpoint)

He played in 123 games as a Jet in 8 seasons, and 45 as a Pat in 3 seasons. He had 6503 more yard in a Jets uniform than a Patriot one. He’s a stand-up guy, great teammate, and all-time NFL great and a New York Jet. And my favorite player.

by Evan_S on Nov 28, 2010 8:01 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

It would be nice...

To see Martin, Bettis, Faulk, and Sanders as the only inductees this year. Let’s just keep the status quo as far as HOF snubs and acknowledge the greatness of these four first year-eligibles – although maybe include Coryell or Sharpe or RAY GUY.

by MachlinT on Nov 28, 2010 7:57 PM EST reply actions

Ray Guy deserves it.. he really does.

by satsunada on Nov 28, 2010 8:01 PM EST up reply actions

So what?

It’s not about Super Bowls and stuff. You can’t deny his ability when there are only three players in the history of the game that have rushed for more yards than Curtis. He is what every coach at every level should teach their players to act like. Curtis, like Barry Sanders, handed the ball to the ref when he scored and went to the sidelines. He is a real professional and the epitome of what every player needs to act like.

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by dhrodgers52 on Nov 28, 2010 8:03 PM EST reply actions

Not About Superbowls?

Yes it is. Ever heard of Cris Carter, Andre Reed, or Don Coryell. Of course the Super Bowl matters.

by MachlinT on Nov 29, 2010 12:26 AM EST up reply actions

If he's voted in I'll be in canton that day.

by tlrpsu on Nov 28, 2010 9:28 PM EST reply actions

Class Act, Successful in 2 cities, Played great behind horrible lines

I could go on, but there’s so much good about Curtis Martin that he obviously won’t get voted in this year.

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by Mark D on Nov 29, 2010 1:07 AM EST reply actions

We ran the wheels off Martin

I hope he gets in, but we ran the cartilage off his poor knees!! That man was a beast in his prime

by bllackkman on Nov 29, 2010 8:42 AM EST reply actions

He has many records people dont really realize he had.

He’s the Ichiro of football with ten straight years of 1,000 plus yards rushing. A five time pro bowl running back (and this is when there were players such as fred taylor, edgerrin james, jerome bettis, corey dillon, ricky williams, eddie george, LT, priest holmes, jamal lewis, terrell davis, clinton portis, ect all in their primes and the same conference vying for three pro bowl spots). The oldest player to ever lead the league in rushing yards. 4th all time leading rusher in history. He even has a perfect passer rating and two passing TDs.

by Nobody Anonymous on Nov 29, 2010 8:55 PM EST reply actions