Martin never won anything, and, while he was a fine back, there is nothing exceptionally noteworthy about him. Bettis was the best big back to ever play the game.
How Dirt didn't get in First ballot is another mystery to me.
Martin never won anything, and, while he was a fine back, there is nothing exceptionally noteworthy about him. Bettis was the best big back to ever play the game.
How Dirt didn't get in First ballot is another mystery to me.
Fire Goodell
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Not really a mystery. He is and offensive lineman and a Steeler. That would be two strikes with most voters. I think he will get in eventually though. Bettis will also get in, but I think he will wait.Originally Posted by suitanim
10 straight years of 1K+ Yards isn't exceptionally noteworthy? Barry Sanders, Walter Payton and Emmitt Smith are the only other guys who can claim that. He is, however, hurt by the fact that he spent his entire career playing with better backs (Emmitt Smith at the start of his career and LaDainian Tomlinson when he was winding down...plus the ultra-versatile Marshall Faulk for the duration of his career). (Kinda like Chris Carter playing when Jerry Rice did or ANY basketball player playing when Michael Jordan did.) He also led the league in rushing in 2004 (against a Shaun Alexander in his prime, Corey Dillon playing for NE with something to prove, Rudi Johnson in his prime, Edgerrin James in his prime...etc...)
His steady performance over his 11 year career should make him hall of fame worthy. Even in his final (injury plagued) year, he was on pace for 980 yards. He also had 1 less rushing touchdown than Jerome Bettis (despite the fact that Bettis was built to be a short yardage back...something Martin would never be confused for).
He's one of 20 guys to have ever scored a combined 100 touchdowns in his career.
That being said...many of these arguments could also be used to put Bettis in the Hall. Especially his longevity as a Big Back.
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