On Saturday, February 4 Curtis Martin got the call of a lifetime. The former New England Patriots and New York Jets running back learned he was heading into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Martin will be joined by four linemen in the class of 2012, Dermontti Dawson, Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy and Willie Roaf.
Martin played 11 years in the NFL, the first three with the Patriots and the last eight with the Jets, making five Pro Bowls. He had ten straight seasons over 1,000 yards rushing and led the league in 2004 with 1,697 yards. He is fourth all time in career rushing yards.
As great as the numbers are for Martin he was more impressive as a person. He was a true professional that carried himself with dignity at all times. Martin won several awards throughout his career that were based on more than just numbers such as the Ed Block Courage Award in 2001 and the Bart Starr Award in 2005.
When Martin left the Patriots in 1998 for the rival Jets I wasn't happy. The thing is I was angrier with the Patriots for letting him go as a restricted free agent than anything else. Although I hate the Jets, I always rooted for Martin to do well. He was the one member of the Jets that I would even consider for my fantasy football team.
Martin was always a class act and it is nice to see a guy like him receive such a distinguished and well deserved honor. He is the kind of player any aspiring football player can emulate. Martin grew up poor, surrounded by drugs in a violent section of Pittsburgh. He found football, worked hard and achieved his dreams. Is there a better story than that?
So congratulations Curtis Martin on all that you have achieved. I can't wait to hear your speech on August 4, I'm sure it will be quite inspirational.
Quick note: I am baffled as each year goes by that Cris Carter isn't elected to Canton. He is fourth all time in receptions and receiving touchdowns. What more did the guy have to do in his career?
Darren Pare has been a New England Patriots fan for over 25 years and Steve Grogan, Troy Brown and Wes Welker are his favorite all time players. You can follow him on Twitter at dpare71 .
More from this contributor:
Five Worst Super Bowl Performances of All Time
Five Best Super Bowl Performances of All Time
