Curtis Martin hints that end is near - Dallas Cowboys Forum

**trickblue** · 02-03-2005

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."

Jay · 02-03-2005

To be honest I think it comes down to the Jets and what they want to do with LaMont Jordan.

As 4 years would progress, Jordan would be getting more and more handoffs, if you ask me. Yes, I know Martin almost ran for 1,700, but still.

I'm gonna say he'll retire either after next year, or another season. He'll be about 2,800 short.

pgreptom · 02-03-2005

It's realistic; I don't doubt the fact he could do it if he wanted.. Hm, wasn't this guy selected in the 3rd round by you-know-who?

dewey · 02-03-2005

Quote:

Hm, wasn't this guy selected in the 3rd round by you-know-who?

Yep, this is the kid who gave his Most Value Player trophy to BP as a thank you. If he retires, in a couple of years, he's had a great career.

SuspectCorner · 02-03-2005

gotta be impressed with his production this late in his career.
he's beaten the odds. but four more years to a 32-year old back is anything but a lock.

Jay · 02-03-2005

Yeah, and four more years of 1,300 yards I believe it said.

Definitely not a 'lock' by any means.

LA=Pancakemaker · 02-03-2005

Martin is a class act, never got the limelight he deserved. He wont get the record, this ones gonna be there for a long time.

Thanks for the memories Emmitt.

mr.jameswoods · 02-03-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay

To be honest I think it comes down to the Jets and what they want to do with LaMont Jordan.

As 4 years would progress, Jordan would be getting more and more handoffs, if you ask me. Yes, I know Martin almost ran for 1,700, but still.

I'm gonna say he'll retire either after next year, or another season. He'll be about 2,800 short.

Agreed, the Jets are not committed to Martin for 4 more years. At the most, they will guarantee him two years. This is the entire reason they are willing to pay Lamont Jordan so much money, because they want him to start in the next year or two.

this is what BillParcellesWaterboy and I were arguing about the other day. He feels the Jets just want to sign Jordan as an expensive backup to support Martin for the next 4 years. Hostile and I were arguing they are willing to pay Jordan the big bucks to replace Curtin Martin within the next 2 years.

**trickblue** · 02-03-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.jameswoods

Agreed, the Jets are not committed to Martin for 4 more years. At the most, they will guarantee him two years. This is the entire reason they are willing to pay Lamont Jordan so much money, because they want him to start in the next year or two.

Then he can come play for us in two years...

mr.jameswoods · 02-03-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickblue

Then he can come play for us in two years...

You think the Jets are willing to sign Lamont Jordan to a big contract out of charity.

NEXT

**trickblue** · 02-03-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.jameswoods

You think the Jets are willing to sign Lamont Jordan to a big contract out of charity.

NEXT

There are talks that they may franchise him...

mr.jameswoods · 02-03-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickblue

There are talks that they may franchise him...

And why would they do that if they thought Martin was going to be the starter for the next 4 years. The writing is on the wall.

BTW, I love Curtis Martin and I think he could still get it done in 4 years because his game is based on toughness and heart much like Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton. He was never known for being a fast runner but he is an extremely determined runner and I can see him breaking Emmitt's record if he gets a chance to leave the Jets and play for a team with a better offensive line and passing game. He plays behind a good offensive line now but he doesn't get a lot of easy holes that some of the best offensive lines in football provide.

k19 · 02-03-2005

as much as I would love to see Emmitt hold the reacord for many years to come it would be nice to see someone having a chance to eventually break it. It seems in some seasons watching the stats is better than watching some of the games.

Martin is a class act and his retirement would be a loss to the Jets organization and the league.

**Sarge** · 02-03-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickblue

Then he can come play for us in two years...

Bite your tongue Trick.

**trickblue** · 02-03-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarge

Bite your tongue Trick.

Don't think for a minute that Bill wouldn't try to talk him out of retirement... seriously...