http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/463376p-389879c.html Martin hints career may be over BY RICH CIMINI DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER Friday, October 20th, 2006 Curtis Martin is supposed to start practicing in two or three weeks, but he may never step on the field again. In a 10-minute interview yesterday at his locker, Martin seemed conflicted on whether to resume his career. At one point, the Jets' injured running back talked about returning to practice and winning the scout-team player-of-the-week award, but he also acknowledged for the first time that he's mulling retirement because of his surgically repaired right knee. Martin was eligible to begin practicing this week, but friends say he wanted to take an extra two weeks to weigh his options. He confirmed that he's soliciting advice from others because "sometimes you need eyes outside your own," and it's believed people in his inner circle are urging him to retire. The future Hall of Famer, 33, sounded like he knows the end is approaching. "The hardest part about this deal is that I can't just will myself to do things right now," Martin said. "I have to be smart and that's what I'm trying to do." Martin admitted he hasn't tested his knee by cutting on it. That, he said, is a concern - ominous words from a player who never has revealed vulnerability. He also said it's not a given he will return to practice during the three-week window for players on the physically-unable-to-perform list. "'Definitely' is not a word I'm going to use," he said. "'Hopefully' is the word that I will use. You can't have anything etched in stone in this situation." Martin is expected to start practicing Nov. 1 at the earliest (the Jets' bye week), according to Eric Mangini. If he doesn't start by Nov. 8, Martin is ineligible to play for the rest of the season. Once he begins practice, the Jets will have another three weeks to make the decision (if Martin hasn't made it by then). They can add him to the roster or place him on injured reserve, ending his season - and, in all likelihood, his career. Out of respect for Martin, the club appears willing to give him the opportunity to practice. Why the two-week delay? After 10 months of rehab, it's hard to imagine that another two weeks will make a difference. "I think another two weeks will help us make a wiser decision," Martin said. Martin's trademark bravado was missing. In past seasons, he used mind games to help him overcome injuries, convincing himself to block out pain. His longstanding philosophy with injuries is to play until he crosses the "stupidity" line. "I'm probably on that borderline of stupidity," said Martin, 10 months removed from surgery. "I have to be honest with myself." Martin claimed he's "running a little better," but apparently not at full speed. He admitted "the one thing I was concerned about was making the cuts. Once you get out there, instincts take over, and I haven't been put in that situation, so I don't know how it will turn out." Martin conceded he may never play again. "If that ends up being the situation, I'm sure I'll make peace with it," he said. "But until that is a reality, my mind won't make peace with it." Martin's crosstown counterpart, Tiki Barber, appears intent on retiring on his own terms, healthy and still productive. Martin supported Barber's decision. "I think every NFL player's dream is to go out on your own terms," Martin said. "But sometimes it doesn't happen like that." When Martin returns to the practice field - if he returns - he intends to make quite a statement. "My No. 1 goal," he said, "is getting the scout player of the week." It would be a humble, yet poignant start to his comeback - if it gets that far.
This is sad. Thanks for everything, Curtis. Notice how the possibility of Curtis retiring hasn't gotten as much attention as the possible retirement of the NYG glory hound RB.
Martin has never been one for the spotlight. He was the best Jet I have ever seen play with my own eyes. I just hope he doesn't come back just to get reinjured.
After reading this, I would say it is pretty much official that he will not return. It sounds to me if he did, he would be only a shadow of his former self. I agree with Big Pappa, one of the hardest playing Jets I have ever seen. He has been a consistent pillar of strength for our team for almost 10 years. Amazing for a running back. True HOF player, hands down - even without a SB winning ring. That says a huge amount right there. I would love him as a coach on the team though. I think he would be outstanding as a RB coach.
Definately looks like Curtis will go by the books with his decision over coming back this season, or ever. I'm happy to see that he it seems like he won't be forcing the issue and that he'll be able to be at peace with himself if it's determined that he can't play or practice. Everybody's favorite Martin.
Sad, sounds like the passion has gone. What did Parcells used to say, something like when you start thinking about retirement you're already there. Too bad....
I dont want to see him come back in a rebuilding season only to risk further injury. Cmart, you've done enough!!
Thank God common sense prevailed here. I'd much rather see Curtis Martin walk into Canton, OH on his own power instead of on crutches. Years from now, when Martin looks back on this, he'll see he's making the right decision here. Perhaps Wayne Chrebet called him. Perhaps Barry Sanders. Either guy has the credibility to talk some sense into Martin. Apparently someone or something got through. Get on with the rest of your life Curt. It's a big world out there.. :up:
Totally different situation. Martin hasn't played in a year and clearly didn't have much if anything left in the tank. Whereas, Tiki, a more public player is leading the league in rushing and is deciding to hang it up.
It's sad that Curtis did not retire off of the rushing title in 2004. It was the high point of his career.
I can't stand Kiki Barber, he is a stupid attention whore. Great player, but I'd like to turn on the TV and not see his (and Peyton Mannings) face every single time. If we were 1-5, Curtis will already have retired. But I think he sees one last playoff run in this team, a tiny window of opportunity.
Yeah I think Curtis sees one more slim opportunity to be the man, however he's not sure if he can do it and so he's dragging out the choice. Where the Jets are right now I hope he decides to call it a career. All he'd likely do over the last half of this season is take carries from Leon Washington, and I'd like to see Washington get 15 a game or so.
I saw the article that stated he was returning to practice and thought the jets might re-insert him during the season if we were out of it or if we over achevied and we made the playoff's ,But after that article I dont think we will see him this year or any time in the future . Curtis to the hall baby !
This has nothing to do with Tiki Barber. I sense the anti-Giant thing for no good reason. Martin is injured...Barber is retiring because he's ready. No need for comparisons or anything. That type of post, not Barber, takes away from Curtis. As far as Martin goes, it is sad, but the reality of NFL Football. What surprises me- maybe it shouldn't - is how well the Jets and Martin hid the seriousness of the surgery and injury. I said it a couple of years ago, Martin carried the ball more than any other back in NFL history during his tenure, and that you should expect a complete breakdown sometime soon. He lasted probably one year longer than I expected. Thanks for your performance, your attitude, and your honest effort Curtis. Good luck...
It's going to be sad though, Chrebet retired without even getting to a Super Bowl, Martin looks like he'll go without a title too. They both deserve better.
That's enough for me. Should be enough for him too. He is a smart individual and I expect he will walk away form the game with a heavy heart. I think that's the most difficult thing for him and that is why he hasn't come out and said it's over. He still has the passion but his body can't do what his mind wants him to do. On Sunday, Dec. 31 I would like the Jets to have Curtis come on the field and have the game stopped and honor his career, bring his whole family out and have the fans go ballistic when the Jets are driving for the game winner. And of course not be charged a timeout. :grin:
