Curtis Martin: a true legend...

I was thinking today about what Curtis Martin really meant to the New York Jets. For me he legitimized the franchise. Sure, Joe Willie put the NYJ’s and the entire AFC on the map, but that was 40 years ago. In the modern era the Jets looked more like a USFL team than an NFL Franchise. We were 54-104-1 form 87’ to 96’. This span includes the infamous one win season (96’) and only one season over .500 (88’ and we were only a half game over .500 8-7-1). In 1997 things started to turn around and in 98’ C-mart arrived. I was never so excited to have a player join my team.

I loved the first three years of his career with New England. He wasn’t flashy but he was quick and tenacious. As the years past he slowed down a bit, but his fluid running style and his concrete grip on the football made him productive for 10 consecutive thousand yard seasons. Only HOF’er Barry Sanders has matched that feat. There are countless stories from teammates, coaches, fans and friends that can tell you how Martin’s character and discipline inspired them. Mine is from September 12th 2004. It was the Jets home opener vs. the Bengal’s.

Two interesting notes: It was Carson Palmers first game as a starting QB, and Vilma’s first ever NFL game. Pennington was back and healthy, and our team looked real good. Names like Chrebet, Moss, and Mawae… Abraham, Ellis and Ferguson and of coarse Penny and Curtis. You had to like the looks of things on paper. But, we are Jets fans; we hope for the best and expect the worst. I remember the coin toss and all the captains from both sides gathering at mid-field. Curtis waited until everyone was assembled and then slowly walked out onto the field sending a clear message to everyone in that building that this was his house. We won the coin toss and the stadium was electric.

However, the Bengal’s were also hyped up. This was a red letter day for their franchise. They drafted the USC super star Carson Palmer and had been preparing him for this day for over a year (he spent his rookie season on the bench). We looked good but they were confident as well. Jonathan Carter fielded the kickoff after 5 or 6 deafening J!E!T!S! JETS! chants led by Fireman Ed and proceeded to trip over his own feet and fumbled the ball! There wasn’t a player within 15 yards of him. As he lay on the ground and the football floundered across the field the crowd fell silent. Cincinnati recovered and two plays later we were already trailing 7-0.

The experience of sitting in those stands and the dramatic emotional rollercoaster that was the first few minutes was unsettling to say the least. The sound of sixty thousand plus fans on their feet cheering is powerful, but the collective gasp and the utter silence that followed were equally powerful. Curtis took the field and calmly carried the ball. Ten plus yards to the left, ten plus yards to the right and Chad dinked and dunked. Gradually as the team moved the ball the crowd started to come around.

The first drive of the 04' season culminated in a 1 yard screen pass to Curtis for 6. For a player who was usually very poised and subdued his reaction to the touchdown catch was animated and inspired. He got the fans back to their feet and his 200 plus yard day was the first step to him winning the rushing title in 2004. For a back that was over 30 and considered over the hill, he made a definitive statement to the league and his teammates. He willed his team to a 10-6 season and a playoff berth.

That game was a micro chasm for his entire career with the Jets. He was a rock when we needed it. He was a calm and steady leader and could take the team on his shoulders and carry them when necessary. More importantly he was the face of the franchise for over 8 years and gave us a source of pride and an identity. His seventeen thousand plus all purpose yards and 102 TD's (90 rushing 10 receiving and 2 passing) ensure him a place in Canton.

He is my favorite NFL player of all time; however he is not my favorite Jet. How does that work, is that logical? Well my train of thought is this: my favorite Jet can't be a player who played for another team, so C-mart is out. #80 will always be my favorite Jet. And if you don't know who I mean, you're not a real Jets fan.

A note on the upcoming draft... The Jets have scheduled private work outs with the 6'6" 250lb QB from Kansas Josh Freeman and also the USC product Mark Sanchez. I have shared my views on Sanchez. As for Josh, he is still developmental, he has had a bit of a rollercoaster career and he hasn't beaten any legitimate teams. Everything about him says: "I NEED another year in school, but I am hoping to get first round money in a draft that is weak at the QB position." He may have a good arm and big strong frame, but he is not anywhere near being ready to be a NFL QB.

He announced to the press that he is a cross between Mcnabb and Roethlisberger. Anyone else feel they are being sold a lemon from a used car lot? If we waste the #17 pick on him it will be sickening. Schotty is meeting with him today to talk X's and O's and Rex will give him a private work out tomorrow. The way I see it, if we take a QB with either of our first two picks, this organization is not taking Ratliff seriously. Ainge is a future prospect; they know he is at least two years away from being a legitimate contender for the starting spot. Clemens will get a shot to compete, but if we draft a QB high, it will be because the Jets don't feel Ratliff is good enough to compete.

Again, I feel we have the 'young gun' QB prospects already on the roster; we should address some other pressing needs in the draft and bring in a veteran signal caller as insurance.

J.Wagner