In arguably the best news for Jets fans in a long time, RB Curtis Martin of the New York Jets has been selected for the NFL Hall of Fame in his second year of eligibility.
Martin was a 1995 third round draft selection out of Pitt by the New England Patriots. In 1998, he was signed by the Jets in one of their best free agent signings of all time. Current GM Mike Tannenbaum assisted in an offer that was reportedly so complicated and creative, there was no way that the Patriots could match it. Here are some of his accomplishments, most of which happened between '98-'05, while he was with the Jets.
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1995)
- Pro Bowl selection (1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2004)
- 5x All-Pro selection (1995, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2004)
- Ed Block Courage Award (2001)
- NFL Rushing Title (2004)
- NFL Alumni Running Back of the Year Award (2004)
- FedEx Ground Player of the Year Award (2004)
- Bart Starr Man of the Year Award (2005)
- New York Jets All-Time Leading Rusher (10,302 yards)
- Led NFL in rushing yards in 2004 with 1,697
- Oldest player to win a rushing title in NFL history (age 31)
- 10,000 Rushing Yards Club
- Fourth-leading rusher of All-Time
- New England Patriots All-1990s Team
- New York Jets All-Time Four Decade Team
- New York Jets Ring of Honor
Martin has reportedly selected Bill Parcells, who notably did not make it into the Hall this year, as his presenter in Canton. Congratulations also to Jack Butler, Dermontti Dawson, Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy and Willie Roaf, who will join Martin as he is enshrined in Canton, Ohio. Celebrate here as we congratulate this incredible achievement.