Talk about fighting through the pain. In an interview with Trib Live’s Tim Benz, former New York Jets running back Curtis Martin made a surprise revelation regarding his spectacular 2004 rushing campaign.
“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.”
With a looming decision to be made whether he will continue playing through the season, the then 31-year old sought the advice of former head coach Bill Parcells.
“He told me, ‘Take care of your body. That’s your priority. But on the other hand, you never want to come out of the huddle because you never know who is coming into the huddle.”
In the end, Martin’s desire to prove himself to the others outweighed the injury risks. He went on to play throughout the regular season and led the league in rushing with 1,697 yards on 371 carries to lead the Jets to a 10-6 record, good enough to clinch a playoff berth.
The Jets managed to win a squeaker in the wild card game against the Drew Brees-led San Diego Chargers in the wild card round but came up short in the divisional round, losing a heartbreaker at Pittsburgh in overtime.
Martin’s insistence to keep on playing ended up costing his career later on. A tackle by Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas In Week 2 of the 2005 season caused Martin to strain his right knee. MRI results came up negative but Martin chose to play on despite the noticeable drop in his production.
The lingering discomfort in his right knee persisted throughout 2006 as the Jets placed Martin in their physically unable to perform list. Martin would never suit up again and later announced his retirement in July 2007.
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