Curtis Martin
The Jet Age's greatest ground pounder, a six-time Pro Bowler, and the face of Green and White running backs.
Drafted in 1995, Curtis Martin became the most celebrated running back in New York Jets history. What set him apart wasn't flash — it was the week-in-week-out grind that made him one of the NFL's most reliable offensive weapons for over a decade. He found the open lane, carved out yardage through congested defenses, and anchored the Jets' ground game year after year. Hard-working, humbly relentless, and sharp about his spots. Just a guy who put the ball on the ground and let it roll.
- Role
- Running Back
- Pro Bowl Selections
- 6 (All with the Jets)
- First Team All-Pro
- 3 times
- Franchise Record
- Most rushing yards in franchise history
- Status
- Retired / Hall of Fame (Class of 2012)
Lore & Background
Martin's legacy is not just built on statistics but on his character; he was the ultimate team player who rarely sought the spotlight. He played through injuries that would have sidelined others, becoming a symbol of resilience for Jets fans. Even after his departure to the Arizona Cardinals in 2005, the void left in the backfield was felt immediately, cementing his status as the undisputed king of the franchise's rushing attack.
In Their Own Story
The cold air bit at Shea Stadium as the fourth quarter ticked down, the crowd roaring for one more play. Curtis Martin took the handoff, his helmet low, eyes scanning a defense that had been waiting all season to stop him. He didn't force it; he waited. A linebacker hesitated just a fraction of a second too long, and Martin slipped through the gap, exploding into open space with the green turf stretching out before him. It wasn't a flash of speed, but pure, relentless determination.
Reader's Guide
Selected in the first round of the draft by Bill Parcells, Martin immediately became the focal point of the offense, showcasing a unique blend of power and elusiveness that baffled defenses for years. During his time in Green and White, he earned six Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors, a testament to his dominance. He led the NFL in rushing yards twice (1998 and 2000) and set numerous franchise records that still stand today, including the most career rushing yards and games played by a Jets running back. His signature plays were often characterized by patience rather than explosion; he would wait for blocks to develop before finding the seam. Martin's legacy is one of consistency and reliability, holding the franchise record for consecutive seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards (seven). He remains the only Jet inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a player primarily associated with the team.
Did You Know?
- Curtis Martin is the only New York Jets player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame based primarily on his tenure with the franchise.
- He holds the NFL record for most consecutive seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards by a running back (7 straight).
- Martin was named the AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2000 while playing for the Jets.
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