trickblue
02-03-2005, 09:46 AM
Curtis hints that end is near
BY RICH CIMINI
JACKSONVILLE - Curtis Martin has hinted over the last two seasons about trying to overtake Emmitt Smith as the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Now, with Smith reportedly on the verge of announcing his retirement, Martin could become the league's leading active rusher and make a run at the throne.
But not so fast.
The Jets' star running back, visiting the Super Bowl city yesterday to accept an award, said he doesn't expect to play long enough to break Smith's record. If Smith retires this offseason, Martin would need to play another four seasons at his current pace to become the all-time rushing king.
"It's realistic if I want it to be," Martin told a small group of reporters. "It's definitely something I could do if I decide to play that long. I'm just not sure I'll play that long."
Martin, who turns 32 in May, said he will play at least two more seasons, bringing him to 12. That, he has long stated, is when he will assess his career and decide whether to continue.
Interestingly, Martin made numerous mentions of his football mortality during and after a news conference at the media center, where he received the Fed Ex Ground NFL Player of the Year award as the top running back, as voted by fans.
The first remark came in response to a question about his chances of winning a Super Bowl with the Jets.
"I don't plan on retiring without a Super Bowl ring, and I don't plan on playing too many more years," Martin said. "I expect to be (in the Super Bowl) within the next couple of years. I want to say, 'Mark my words,' but I just believe we're going to be here in the next couple of years."
Afterward, Martin was asked about challenging Smith.
"I don't really see myself playing that long," he said, though not completely ruling it out.
Martin, who captured his first NFL rushing crown with a 1,697-yard season, trails Smith by 4,989 yards - 18,355 to 13,366. In 10 seasons, Martin is averaging 1,336 per year. Walter Payton and Barry Sanders are second and third, respectively, on the all-time list.
Martin said he hasn't spoken to new offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, but he hopes to catch up with him soon so he can "meet him and look him in the eye."
Asked about the departure of Paul Hackett, Martin, a longtime supporter of the Jets former offensive coordinator, said, "It's part of the business. It's the way the game goes. There's nothing I can do about it."
BY RICH CIMINI
JACKSONVILLE - Curtis Martin has hinted over the last two seasons about trying to overtake Emmitt Smith as the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Now, with Smith reportedly on the verge of announcing his retirement, Martin could become the league's leading active rusher and make a run at the throne.
But not so fast.
The Jets' star running back, visiting the Super Bowl city yesterday to accept an award, said he doesn't expect to play long enough to break Smith's record. If Smith retires this offseason, Martin would need to play another four seasons at his current pace to become the all-time rushing king.
"It's realistic if I want it to be," Martin told a small group of reporters. "It's definitely something I could do if I decide to play that long. I'm just not sure I'll play that long."
Martin, who turns 32 in May, said he will play at least two more seasons, bringing him to 12. That, he has long stated, is when he will assess his career and decide whether to continue.
Interestingly, Martin made numerous mentions of his football mortality during and after a news conference at the media center, where he received the Fed Ex Ground NFL Player of the Year award as the top running back, as voted by fans.
The first remark came in response to a question about his chances of winning a Super Bowl with the Jets.
"I don't plan on retiring without a Super Bowl ring, and I don't plan on playing too many more years," Martin said. "I expect to be (in the Super Bowl) within the next couple of years. I want to say, 'Mark my words,' but I just believe we're going to be here in the next couple of years."
Afterward, Martin was asked about challenging Smith.
"I don't really see myself playing that long," he said, though not completely ruling it out.
Martin, who captured his first NFL rushing crown with a 1,697-yard season, trails Smith by 4,989 yards - 18,355 to 13,366. In 10 seasons, Martin is averaging 1,336 per year. Walter Payton and Barry Sanders are second and third, respectively, on the all-time list.
Martin said he hasn't spoken to new offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, but he hopes to catch up with him soon so he can "meet him and look him in the eye."
Asked about the departure of Paul Hackett, Martin, a longtime supporter of the Jets former offensive coordinator, said, "It's part of the business. It's the way the game goes. There's nothing I can do about it."