How Curtis Martin Won the 2004 NFL Despite Injury

Curtis James Martin Jr., Hall of Fame celebrated player, despite the injury that he suffered became the oldest-ever player to win the title.

The former American football player was with the New York Jets of the National Football League for the most part of his career. It was in the 1995 NFL Draft that Curtis began the first game of his career with the New England Patriots. Back then, it took him three rounds to get through the selection process.

Curtis Martin's celebrated NFL career & the amazing games he played also earned him the Pro Football Hall of Fame title. Playing with New York Jets & the New England Patriots, Martin became a five-time Pro Bowler. After winning the title of Offensive Rookie of the Year, Martin took the Patriots To the Super Bowl.

Martin’s Most Imposing Accomplishment.

And, his most spectacular performance took place in 2004 NFL. With this epic game, he created history and etched his name on every football lover’s mind. He became the oldest player in the National Football League’s history to grab the title at the age of 31.

Martin said, “My MCL had almost a grade 3 tear in it,” “It was so loose. I played with it from I believe the sixth or seventh game throughout the rest of the season. At the time, the doctors were telling me that I needed to sit out and let it rest and I may need surgery.”

Martin reached out to Bill Parcells, the Dallas Cowboys' head coach. He said, “Coach, look, this thing is really bothering me. It feels wobbly like I don't even feel stable on it. What do you think I should do?' I said, 'I think I can bear the pain, it's not the pain, it's just whether it's best for me.”

Martin, taking advice from his former coach, took the decision — he continued playing the game. And, he made his decision right with his average career-best 4.6 yards (ca. 4 m) per carrying with rushing yards (1,697) & carries (371). Also, he helped the Jets to a playoff berth with rushing 12 scores.

Yet again in 2005, Martin had another knee injury through the second week of the regular season. It was after three months of playing with the injury that Martin took the decision of going through surgery after 12 games. In the ensuing off-season, he retired from professional football with the title of fourth-leading rusher in NFL history.

The 1997 season New England's final four games sidelining worked for him. He was even more furious than usual to win the game. It worked as fuel in the fire. It led him finally to become the second player in the history of the NFL to have rushed over in 10-straight seasons for 1,000 yards (0.91 km). Martin was often not given the respect he deserved for his games throughout his career. This happened probably because he came when there were too many good players out there including Jerome Bettis, Emmitt Smith, Edgerrin James, Barry Sanders, and Terrell Davis. That is why he was often overlooked. After the injury, he was traded to Jets from the Patriots — that was when the firefly came rushing with his game spirit to become the oldest player to win the NFL title.

Martin's advice for aspiring players.

He said, “One thing that I've learned about the criticism is that you can never really control it.

On the other hand, do what's best for your body, and keep in mind that you always want to be on the field when you're a professional athlete.”