Curtis Martin Rushing
The undisputed ground-and-pound king who defined the Jets' backfield for a decade.
Curtis Martin stands as the undisputed rushing king in New York Jets history, a running back whose consistency and durability defined an era of stability for the franchise. Drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round (74th overall) of the 1995 NFL Draft, he later joined the Jets via a trade with the Patriots in 1998 and became the face of the team's offense during the late 1990s and early 2000s, accumulating yardage with a rare blend of power and elusiveness that few backs have ever matched in New York.
- Role
- Running Back
- Status
- Retired / Hall of Fame Legend
- Franchise Record
- All-Time Leading Rusher
Lore & Background
His jersey number remains one of the most respected in team history, representing a golden age where the Jets were feared primarily for their ability to dominate the line of scrimmage.
In Their Own Story
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the turf as Curtis Martin lined up behind center, the roar of the crowd at Giants Stadium fading into a rhythmic chant. He took the handoff, his eyes scanning the defensive line for a seam that only he could see. With a sudden burst of acceleration, he slipped through a gap, absorbing a hit from a linebacker but keeping his balance upright. The pile-up formed instantly, but Martin was already on his feet, dusting off his shoulder pads, knowing another ten yards toward immortality had been secured.
Reader's Guide
This achievement was reached through consistent production across ten seasons, proving his value as a workhorse back. This season remains the benchmark for offensive dominance by a Jets running back. Martin also holds the record for most career rushing touchdowns for the Jets with 72 scores, highlighting his ability to finish drives effectively near the goal line rather than just gaining yardage in the middle of the field. His durability is evident in his record for most games played as a Jet by a running back, showcasing an ironman streak that allowed him to accumulate these records without significant interruption from injury.
Did You Know?
- He was selected to five Pro Bowls during his tenure with New York (1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004), tying Freeman McNeil for the most Pro Bowl selections by a running back in franchise history.
More in Honours & Records
Elsewhere in the New York Jets universe
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