Curtis Martin Rushing
Hall of Fame running back who spent eight seasons with the New York Jets.
Curtis James Martin Jr. (born May 1, 1973) is an American former professional football running back who played in the NFL for 11 seasons with the New England Patriots and New York Jets. He spent his first three NFL seasons with the Patriots, who selected him in the third round of the 1995 NFL draft, and was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Martin joined the Jets in 1998, where he spent eight seasons. At the conclusion of his career, he was selected to five Pro Bowls and one first-team All-Pro. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012. He is sixth all-time in total NFL rushing yards.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Running Back
- Status
- Retired; Hall of Fame Legend
- Franchise record
- All-Time Leading Rusher
Lore & Background
Martin was born in Pittsburgh to Rochella Dixon and Curtis Sr. on May 1, 1973. His father left the family in 1978. During his youth, Martin often moved around Pittsburgh and was surrounded by violence. His grandmother was found murdered; at age 15, he had a near-death experience when a loaded gun pointed at his head was pulled seven times but never fired. He began playing football only in his senior year of high school at Taylor Allderdice High School, where he ran for 1,705 yards and 20 touchdowns. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, where injuries plagued his college career. He entered the 1995 NFL draft and was selected by the Patriots in the third round.
Reader's Guide
In his first seven seasons with the Jets, Martin missed two games (one in 1999 and one in 2003). He won the NFL rushing title in 2004 at age 31, becoming the oldest player to do so. He retired in July 2007 with 14,101 total rushing yards, the fifth highest total in NFL history at that time.
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