Ranking the top 25 running backs in NFL history…
17. Curtis Martin
Drafted in the third round (74th overall) by the New England Patriots in 1995 out of the University of Pittsburgh, Martin exploded as a rookie, rushing for 1,487 yards and 14 touchdowns to lead the AFC, earn NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and secure his first Pro Bowl nod.
His debut featured 102 yards, the first Patriots rookie to hit 100 in an opener, and he added strong playoff showings, including 166 yards and three touchdowns in a 1996 divisional win over Pittsburgh, plus a score in Super Bowl XXXI‘s loss to Green Bay.
After three seasons in New England—where he rushed for over 1,000 yards annually and earned another Pro Bowl—Martin signed with the New York Jets in 1998 amid controversy, playing eight years there. He missed just one game in his first seven Jet seasons, rushing for 1,000+ yards in his first 10 NFL years, a record.
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His pinnacle came in 2004 at age 31, leading the league with 1,697 yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming the oldest rushing champion ever, earning first-team All-Pro, FedEx Ground Player of the Year and his fifth Pro Bowl. A 2005 knee injury limited him, but he reached 14,000 career yards that year.
Martin retired in 2007 with 14,101 rushing yards (fifth all-time), 90 rushing touchdowns, 484 receptions for 3,329 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns over 168 games, averaging 4.0 yards per carry.
He holds records for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start a career (10) and is one of four backs with 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons. A five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, he won the 2004 NFL rushing title and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012; the Jets retired his No. 28.
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Martin’s standout attributes were his speed, durability and football IQ. He was quick and decisive with great acceleration, excelling in cutbacks and vision to find lanes.
But who ranks ahead of Martin at No. 16 all-time?