The 2012 NFL Hall of Fame class is set and former New York Jets running back, Curtis Martin has officially been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Martin played for the Jets from 1998-2005. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first 10 seasons in the NFL and won rookie of the year in 1995. Martin was also selected to five Pro Bowls and named to the All-Pro team in 2004. He was is currently fourth on the NFL's all-time rushing list.
"I'd like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our own Curtis Martin, who will forever stand as one of the greats of the NFL and one of the best to ever wear a Jets uniform. His accomplishments on the field are matched only by his countless acts of kindness and philanthropy off the field during his career, for which he never sought recognition," said Jets owners Woody Johnson. "He exemplifies the very best of the NFL and will now receive the highest admiration, an honor that he very much deserves."
Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum also released a statement after Martin was elected.
"Curtis Martin's work ethic, durability and ability to consistently play at such a high level are the hallmarks of his career and appropriately recognized by his selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I have never come across a player who has been more dedicated to the team and doing his job," Tannenbaum said. "Curtis' tremendous production on the field, regardless of how outstanding it was, pales in comparison to the man he is. An individual of unparalleled integrity, he treats everyone who crosses his path with honesty, kindness and respect and serves as a shining example of how professional athletes should carry themselves on and off the field."
The Board of Selectors narrowed down the 15 modern day finalists to 10, then five, then the 44-member panel voted either 'yes' or 'no' on whether they should make the Hall of Fame. Needing an 80 percent 'yes' vote, Martin was voted in, along with Jack Butler, Cortez Kennedy, Willie Roaf, Chris Doleman and Dermontti Dawson.
Former coach of both the Jets and Giants, Bill Parcells, was one of the final 10 finalists, but didn't make the final five.
Here are some of Martin's career accomplishments:
- Five-time Pro Bowler
- Ten 1,000-yard rushing seasons
- 14,101 career rushing yards, fourth all-time