New York Jets’ Curtis Martin: Where Does He Fit Into NFL and Team History?

February 19, 2011   ·   Jayson Love   ·   Jump to comments

After another dismal season in 1996, going 1-15, the New York Jets hired Bill Parcells to coach the team.  The legendary coach engineered an eight-game turnaround, and nearly made the playoffs with a 9-7 record.
The future seemed bright for the Jets and would become even brighter when the team went after Patriots' running back Curtis Martin.
The Jets signed the runner to a six-year, $36 million offer sheet, and the Patriots decided not to match.
At the time, it seemed odd that the Patriots would let their leading rusher bolt for a division rival, but the decision would prove to work out for both teams.
As compensation, the Pats received a first- and third-round draft selection, and the Jets had their marquee player for the first time in years.
The Patriots were in the process of starting their "build through the draft by stockpiling picks" philosophy, and the Jets were back on the road to respectability and Super Bowl-contending status.
Martin backed ...

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