File Under: Curtis Martin, Herm Edwards, Alan Faneca, Tony Richardson, Kris Jenkins, Shrek
03/13 — Curtis Martin has immersed himself in his post-pigskin life, working on NFL ownership and New York City homeless initiatives. But No. 28 has still kept his eye on his team of nine seasons, and count him among those who like what the Jets have done this off-season.
"The Jets and the fans have reason to be optimistic," Martin told me Wednesday. "I think those are some key players they've added to the team."
I chatted with Curtis about a New York news conference he participated in last week regarding the progress the city is making in reducing homelessness. It would be a little forced to mix football in with my story on that subject, which you can read here. But Martin, honored by the Jets at halftime of their upset of the Steelers in November, was happy to talk up his old team's moves, especially the one that brought a guard from his hometown of Pittsburgh out to Long Island.
"Signing Alan Faneca, I think that was a great move," he said. "I know he's good, I know what he can be. And he's a veteran who can also bring some more veteran leadership into the locker room."
On the trade with Carolina for DT Kris Jenkins, Martin replied, "Kris? He'll be good. I'm pretty sure I did play against him."
In fact, Martin literally ran into Jenkins at least once, in "the Shrek game" at Carolina in 2001, when the then-Panthers DT tackled him after a 1-yard gain. You'll recall that the Jets squeaked out a 13-12 win that day, labeled an "ugly win" so often by Jets media that coach Herm Edwards linked the game to the foul-smelling green ogre whose first animated film had hit theaters months earlier.
Then as Martin contemplated the additions of LB Calvin Pace, FB Tony Richardson and RB Jesse Chatman, he underscored the observation he made about Faneca.
"One of the things the Jets are doing," he said, "is that they're not only bringing in good players but also good people and good leaders."
I couldn't let Curt go without asking him about how his ownership plans are going.
"I've decided to just wait until things happen to talk about it," he said.
Daniel Said:
Sun, March 16, 2008 - 10:27am EDT"Always loved Curtis! Nothing but good things to say about him. He always ran plays the way they were designed...patiently waiting for a hole to exploit! He was not a huge back, but nonetheless was a workhouse for our squad. Curtis forever!!! Retire #28!"
Lou Said:
Mon, March 17, 2008 - 12:13am EDT"Curtis is a great ambassador for the game and i look forward to the day he is part of a NFL team in some capacity. number 28 should be retired as well as my personal favorite number 80 Wayne Chrebet should have his number retired as well. but for Curtis to say he likes the way the jets are moving that gives me confidence in the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS 08 BABY "
Morris Felders Jr. Said:
Fri, March 21, 2008 - 9:43am EDT"Many fans don't know just how much of a surprise gem Andre Woolfolk will be. Andre's time with the Titans was riddled with unfortunate injury history. He is better than billed thus far. When healthy, Andre is capable of playing against any receiver in the league, but he is also an incredible hard hitting tackler - prior to his injuries in his 2 and 3rd season on Titans 2nd behind Bulluck."
Hogan Said:
Thu, March 13, 2008 - 1:18pm EDT"Curtis wll be an exellent owner. He proves it with his knowlege and his work in the community."