Forgotten Harvey Martin Was One Of The Early Pass Rush Greats
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016...-martin-was-one-of-the-early-pass-rush-greats
For the fans who were around for the
Dallas Cowboys first run of success the name brings to mind memories of the Doomsday Defense and what may have been the greatest single season ever experienced by a defensive lineman. It conjures up memories of Defensive Player of the Year honors being won and of Martin sharing
the Super Bowl MVP award with fellow lineman Randy White. Harvey Martin was the definition of defensive domination during his time as a part of Tom Landry's squad.
Not all of us were so fortunate as to see the late Mr. Martin showcase his skills on the gridiron. I was able to catch the tail end of his career and I was far too young to appreciate the talents that he brought to the game. That does not mean that greatness cannot be recognized by those of us whose memory is more of
DeMarcus Ware eventually surpassing Harvey as the Cowboys all-time sack leader. The effort that Ware had to put into achieving that milestone is a testament to just what a force Harvey Martin was.
Few of us doubt that shortly after DWare finally hangs up his cleats for the last time the Jones family will ensconce #94 in the Ring Of Honor, and that honor is certainly due to Mr. Ware. The tragedy is that the player that he chased for so long will most likely not be in that elusive club.
Outside the game Martin found his most difficult challenges. His on the field nickname of "Too Mean" followed the defensive end beyond the game. There were many rumors of domestic violence surrounding the player and also allegations of drug abuse. It was the drug rumors and his refusal to submit to a drug test that forced Harvey to retire from the game. He finally hit rock bottom in the mid 1990s when he was convicted of domestic violence and cocaine charges. For those offenses Martin was ordered into an extensive rehabilitation program...
