Some more quick stories from around the web:
Curtis Martin, at his various retirement announcement press conferences yesterday, found time to drop a very clear hint on what he plans to do next:
"Martin, 34, revealed that he's "very close" to becoming an NFL owner. He
declined to identify the team or the amount of his ownership stake, but he spoke
enthusiastically about it, not sounding like someone who's planning to be a
silent partner."
The early rumors focus on the Tampa Bay Bucs. I would admittedly be shocked if Curtis Martin did, in fact, become a NFL owner (and a vocal one, at that) - the NBA seems the more likely league for a former player to become an owner. The NFL? Half the teams are owned by old families that have been in the league for decades; the other half are owned by similar-minded individuals, but with less history. There are very few large corporation owners (as there is in MLB), and very few "other" owners (the GB Packers I believe are technically a publicly-owned company, but operate like every other team). I would like to see any player, especially one like Curtis Martin, as an NFL owner. It would definitely be a breathe of fresh air. I just have my doubts about whether it will happen or not.
Jack Cobra had a very nice post about Shaquille O'Neal's reality show "Shaq's Big Challenge" over at Yaysports:
"Over the course of the show, Shaq has gone from a person that wanted to change the lives of six children, to someone who wants to change the lives of every child in America by trying to have better school lunches available and more exercise throughout the school day."
Sounds like Shaq has some more challenges ahead of him; we applaud his efforts, and hope he can make a difference. It might not be Sudan or peace in the Middle East, but every little effort counts.
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Indeed, that's my deal. It's pretty uncommon... I'm guessing you also grew up in NYC during the 80's? All three were the underdogs, if I remember correctly why I chose them (though, to be fair, the Knicks were the only choice, no other competition). How did you come about to root for that trio?
Curtis all-time? I wish I could put him in the top-5, but can't. I would have to say Barry Sanders is #1, with Jim Brown #2 only because I never saw him play. Gale Sanders deserves props, too. Filling out the top-5 is Walter Payton, and then Emmitt Smith though I never really liked him. But anyone who can keep playing and producing in a big must-win game with a seperated shoulder is a gamer.
Eric Dickerson was amazing; it's too early to say Tomlinson is definitely there, but I'll save his spot for now in the top-7. Marshall Faulk is 8, because of his receiving skills, which puts Curtis in the same grouping with Tony Dorsett, Earl Campbell, OJ Simpson, and Marcus Allen.
Not a bad group, but not top five. That having been said, it is still very likely he will be the best player I'll ever get to root for as a Jets fan. What are the odds we'll ever see another top-12 all time at his position skill player come through again?
Kevin Mawae was a top-12 center of all time, but sadly, no one cares or appreciates the center (Mawae was freaking incredible, possibly the best athlete no one ever talked about in the NBA - incredibly fast for a center).
SML, yes, born in NYC in 1970 and latched on Yankees as kid in '77. Was frontrunning Steelers fan as kid but migrated to Jets over time with the first real shift coming with the "New York Sack Exchange" of Gastineau, Klecko, Lyons, & Abdul Salaam. Michael Ray Richardson first Knick favorite and Bernard for those 3 years was simply GOD whose greatness has been forgotton by too many. But enough of my nostalgia...
Yeah, I probably have Curtis around #12. Although Barry is #1 back in the open field, he is #2 all-time to Jim Brown. Barry had a weakness in that he couldn't punch it in the end zone. I agree with the rest of your list except if you disregard longevity, I have Campbell and OJ in my top 5 bumping down your Sayers and Emmitt. About OJ and Earl: videotape don't lie!!!
Finally, I believe that Curtis's style was most reminiscent of Emmitt and if you put him on those great Cowboy teams with all those weapons, his career would have been remarkably similar.
Hi there, I found your blog via Google and your post looks very interesting for me.
SML,
Question: are you Yankees/Knicks/Jets fan?
This is my combo. And where does Curtis rank all-time in your opinion.