Age is nothing but a number, and that was proved to be true by Curtis Martin this year as he became the oldest player in NFL history to not only lead the league in rushing yards but to gain over 1,500 yards on the ground.
He also joined Barry Sanders as the only backs in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in each of their first 10 seasons. Currently fourth place on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 13,366 yards, Martin is well on his way to the Hall of Fame and having his number 28 retired by the New York Jets. However, the impressive statistics that he has amassed over the years has become secondary to what Martin represents.
We are in an era in sports tarnished by steroids, drug use, flashy end zone dances and selfishness, among many other things. While some players do represent the morals and decency that is expected, great role models are hard to come by. Martin has been one of the few athletes that we should encourage our children to look up to. He embodies the word class, has been nothing but consistent and he displays the rewards of hard work.
Last year, Martin’s off season regimen was running up and down 230 steps on a hill in Santa Monica, California. Regardless of how old people said he was or what they thought he could accomplish in the 2004 season, he set a goal of 1,500 yards for himself which he achieved on his way to the rushing title.
Displaying his usual selflessness, Martin is extremely active in community relations — he donates more than 10% of his earnings to the Job Foundation, which helps the disadvantaged, disenfranchised, single mothers, at-risk youth, and the homeless.
Martin told Football Digest writer Barry Wilner, “I want to make a difference. I want for what I do as an athlete to help me make a difference in people’s lives. If Curtis Martin can have an impact on the people around me and the people I come in contact with, and if I can improve their situation or help them improve it, that means the most to me. It’s not what people say about me, whether they praise me or believe I am someone special because of what I do on the field. It’s what I can do to help them because I am an athlete who can make a difference for them.”
As a Jets fan, I wish Jordan all the luck in the world with his new role as the starting running back of the Oakland Raiders. He has the utmost potential to be a star in this league and will be missed by all fans of Gang Green, but he can and will be replaced. However, when the day comes that Martin walks off of the field for the last time, nobody will be missed more than him. Even though a Jordan may not come around for another five years, there will never be another Curtis Martin.
Thank you, Curtis.