Ahmad Rashad
Footballguy
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football...1p-385487c.html
Martin in rush to help rookie
BY RICH CIMINI
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
To those outside the Jets' organization, Curtis Martin is the phantom running back. He shows up every day to Weeb Ewbank Hall, attends his positional meeting, rehabs his injured knee and goes home.
But that doesn't mean he's not helping the team. Behind the scenes, Martin has emerged as a mentor to rookie Leon Washington. There's only one locker between them, and they often sit at their stools, discussing football and life.
"That's our usual meeting place," Martin said in a phone interview. "The thing I like about Leon is that he wants to know. You can tell that he really studies. He really knows what he's talking about. You don't find many rookies that astute."
In four games, Washington has modest stats (58 rushing yards, 60 receiving, one touchdown), but his darting and dashing running style brings a certain energy to the offense. His role is expanding, and Martin believes the kid has what it takes to become a successful back.
"The thing that stands out to me the most is his instincts. Leon has great instincts," said Martin. "He's not a systematic runner. Some guys rely on reading their progressions, and that makes them methodical. Leon is a natural. When you have those instincts, you can create something out of nothing."
That doesn't mean Washington can't use some tutoring. At times, the two backs repair to the film room, where Martin shows tapes of himself as a study aid for the rookie. He teaches Washington how to protect the ball, how to read blocks and how to influence linebackers, leading them in one direction and cutting back the other way.
When the NFL's fourth all-time leading rusher speaks, you listen.
"He's always coming to talk to me, telling me to be more patient with my runs," Washington said. "Every pointer he's given me has definitely come true in the games. I'm definitely learning from him."
Martin's unselfishness is legendary. Former protégé LaMont Jordan can vouch for that, as he spent four years at the future Hall of Famer's side, soaking up his knowledge. "My philosophy is to empower other people," Martin said. "If more people can realize their potential, so much could be accomplished."
Martin's No. 1 objective is getting back on the field. He's on the physically-unable-to-perform list, but he's eligible to start practicing in two weeks. Once he begins, the Jets have three weeks to decide whether to activate him or put him on season-ending injured reserve.
Martin, 33, won't comment on his prognosis. The odds of him playing this season aren't good, but he wouldn't be attending meetings and working out if they were hopeless. In the meantime, he will continue to help Washington, who may need a steadying influence this week as he prepares for an emotional homecoming game against the Jaguars.
Washington grew up in Jacksonville, so close to Alltel Stadium that he could see the Jumbotron from his street corner. As a kid, he hawked soda at the stadium.
Originally published on October 4, 2006
Martin in rush to help rookie
BY RICH CIMINI
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
To those outside the Jets' organization, Curtis Martin is the phantom running back. He shows up every day to Weeb Ewbank Hall, attends his positional meeting, rehabs his injured knee and goes home.
But that doesn't mean he's not helping the team. Behind the scenes, Martin has emerged as a mentor to rookie Leon Washington. There's only one locker between them, and they often sit at their stools, discussing football and life.
"That's our usual meeting place," Martin said in a phone interview. "The thing I like about Leon is that he wants to know. You can tell that he really studies. He really knows what he's talking about. You don't find many rookies that astute."
In four games, Washington has modest stats (58 rushing yards, 60 receiving, one touchdown), but his darting and dashing running style brings a certain energy to the offense. His role is expanding, and Martin believes the kid has what it takes to become a successful back.
"The thing that stands out to me the most is his instincts. Leon has great instincts," said Martin. "He's not a systematic runner. Some guys rely on reading their progressions, and that makes them methodical. Leon is a natural. When you have those instincts, you can create something out of nothing."
That doesn't mean Washington can't use some tutoring. At times, the two backs repair to the film room, where Martin shows tapes of himself as a study aid for the rookie. He teaches Washington how to protect the ball, how to read blocks and how to influence linebackers, leading them in one direction and cutting back the other way.
When the NFL's fourth all-time leading rusher speaks, you listen.
"He's always coming to talk to me, telling me to be more patient with my runs," Washington said. "Every pointer he's given me has definitely come true in the games. I'm definitely learning from him."
Martin's unselfishness is legendary. Former protégé LaMont Jordan can vouch for that, as he spent four years at the future Hall of Famer's side, soaking up his knowledge. "My philosophy is to empower other people," Martin said. "If more people can realize their potential, so much could be accomplished."
Martin's No. 1 objective is getting back on the field. He's on the physically-unable-to-perform list, but he's eligible to start practicing in two weeks. Once he begins, the Jets have three weeks to decide whether to activate him or put him on season-ending injured reserve.
Martin, 33, won't comment on his prognosis. The odds of him playing this season aren't good, but he wouldn't be attending meetings and working out if they were hopeless. In the meantime, he will continue to help Washington, who may need a steadying influence this week as he prepares for an emotional homecoming game against the Jaguars.
Washington grew up in Jacksonville, so close to Alltel Stadium that he could see the Jumbotron from his street corner. As a kid, he hawked soda at the stadium.
Originally published on October 4, 2006
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Perhaps my favorite player of all time. The guy just reeks class.
