New York Jets Running Back Curtis Martin Retires from the NFL a Winner

Among the hundreds of stories printed last week regarding Michael Vick's indictment, the beginning of training camps, and the health of important players throughout the NFL, was one small write-up that sort of got lost in the overall story of the upcoming professional football season.

That was the retirement of running back Curtis Martin from the New York Jets. Curtis Martin probably isn't a name that new or occasional NFL fans know. He certainly isn't as popular as a Reggie Bush, or a Peyton Manning or a Michael Vick. Curtis Martin never really made television commercials and certainly never received a shoe contract. He was never exposed as a drug user like Lawrence Taylor; he was never in the public's eye like Terrell Owens, or considered a community leader like Drew Brees.

No, Curtis Martin during his NFL career was none of those things. Curtis Martin was only a football player. And, that's all Curtis Martin did during his career. He just played football.

For eleven active seasons, Curtis Martin played in the NFL, and for almost every single one of those seasons he did it well. Martin is currently ranked 4^th all time on the NFL's list of leading rushers with 14,101. The only three players ahead of Martin on the all-time rushing list are Emmitt Smith, with 18,355, Walter Payton, with 16,726, and Barry Sanders, with 15, 269. During his career, he also amassed over 484 receptions, 3,329 receiving yards, and 90 touchdowns. His per rush average, for his career, is 4.0. He tied Barry Sanders's record by starting out his career with 10 straight 1,000 yard seasons.

Those are amazing stats for a player that only true die-hard NFL fans know much about.

But, that's okay with Curtis Martin. As NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated, "Curtis Martin represents everything an NFL player should be. He overcame many challenges to enjoy an outstanding career as one of the best running backs in the NFL."

Martin grew up in a bad part of Pittsburgh, but, he didn't complain. He was chosen in the third round of the NFL draft even though he knew he was better than almost every other running back chosen before him, but, he didn't complain. He played in the toughest sports market in the world, New York, and still shied away from the spotlight.

No, Curtis Martin never complained, never fought for public glory, never got into any trouble. All he did was play football.

That's not to say that Curtis Martin has a boring, uninspired life outside of football. He's always been involved with New York charities and even now is partnering with New York's mayor, Michael Bloomberg, to decrease homelessness in the city. Their goal is to cut the rate of homeless by two-thirds by 2009.

High goals from a classy NFL player that will inevitably be accomplished the same way Martin has accomplished everything in his life. Quietly, with grace and efficiency.

That's Curtis Martin - - leaving the NFL a winner.