Curtis Martin is one of the greatest players in New York Jets history—no contest.
Spending eight seasons with the team (1998-2005), Martin is the team’s all-time leading rusher, collecting 10,302 yards on the ground throughout his time with Gang Green. There is a reason why No. 28 is up in the rafters at MetLife Stadium.
Now, the 52-year-old is slated to return to his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to announce the Jets’ Day 2 draft picks at this year’s NFL draft, which is less than one week away.
The Jets currently own two Day 2 selections, including the first pick of the second round (No. 33) and pick No. 44. Due to the Haason Reddick trade ahead of the 2024 season, the team doesn’t hold a third-round pick.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Martin attended Pitt before being selected in the third round of the 1995 NFL draft by the Jets’ arch-rival New England Patriots.
Following the 1997 season, the Jets signed Martin to a six-year, $36 million deal, and the rest is history. To say Martin made his former team pay for their mistakes throughout his eight-year run in the Big Apple would be an understatement.
Last year, fellow Jets legend John Abraham had the honors of announcing the team’s Day 2 picks, which amounted to tight end Mason Taylor and cornerback Azareye’h Thomas.
Martin will be one of many former players to announce draft picks this year and one of ten presenters from Pennsylvania.
Perhaps Martin’s homecoming will bring a little luck to his former team’s selections this year.
