Curtis Martin...

Cieron

Crazy to think that if Curtis could somehow manage to squeeze out 4 more seasons (including this one) averaging 1200 a season he'd be the most prolific rusher in NFL history. That would put him at 15 seasons (same as Emmitt), but, at any rate, he's pretty much a sure thing to pass both Sanders and Payton if he doesn't retire after this season. His numbers/career has kind of snuck up on me a bit in light of that knowledge. Does any of that suggest that he could be a good memorabilia investment at the moment, or have I already missed the boat? Is there even a boat in the harbor regardless? Thoughts anyone?

ndleo

I really admire Curtis, but I doubt he will break Emmitt's record. He has a decent shot at Barry. Walter will be much harder. The only thing about RBs is that they decline very quickly. A decent RB at 31, looks slow at 33. Plus with Pennington out, Curtis is going to take a beating this year.

His key rookies are the Select Mirror Gold and Finest. They are very affordable. They come up often in PSA 9 for less than $30. The Bowman Best Refractor is also a nice one. PSA 10's come up once in a while. After that I would try to get a few of his certified autograph/jersey cards in a Jets uniform.

Curtis is popular, but he never seemed to break through like lesser back such as Edgerrin James or Ricky Williams. I guess he should have grown dreadlocks.

Axtell

I don't think there's any chance he has 4 more productive years left in him. He's been such a workhorse, with so many carries, I just don't see it.

Cieron

He's only about 3,500 shy of Payton. I think he's got a decent shot at that. Emmitt on the other hand is probably too far a leap, I agree. I've picked up an autographed ball (need to get it certified though), and I'm definitley gonna start keeping my eyes out for those key rookie cards mentioned above. Thanks for listing those. I'm just worried, as someone else alluded to, that, despite his great numbers, he'll be one of those overlooked guys from a memorabilia perspective (no buzz, no significant demand) even after his induction into the Hall. The dreadlocks probably would have helped...

JasP24

Curtis's key rookie is the 1995 SP, which there are 83 graded PSA 9, and 5 PSA 10's...The 9's usually run in the $30-50 range which is a bargain considering that the 1995 SP Foils are tough to find in MINT condition compared to say Emmitt Smith's Score RC...

The 10's are even harder, so i'm glad I got mine when I did...

My Curtis Martin PSA 10 w/ Scan

Martin is VERY underrated and doesn't get as much pub as Faulk or Bettis, but he's just as good, and will likely end up with more yards than both of them..He's already a lock for the HOF...

So if you can find his SP RC in PSA 9 or PSA 10, BUY NOW...

Jason

jad22

I was very pissed when Parcells took off and then made the bid for Martin that the Patriots refused to match. I thought it was a bad move for the Patriots. Great running back and underrated.

CDsNuts

HOF RB's of this era haven't really proven to hold value at the end of their career regardless of who they are- Barry, Emmitt, Allen, Bettis, Faulk, TD. Since Martin is less popular now, I doubt his popularity in comparison with the other guys will go up all that much, even if he does reach Payton (no way he reaches Emmitt). As an investment I don't like it, but as a collector he's a must have. This is the era of the receiver where guys like TO, Moss, Chad Johnson, and others will entice collectors instead of the workhorse RB's.

From an investment standpoint, QB's will always be the way to go. Short term (2-3 years), look at Griese who's stock is way down- he's playing very well, the Bucs are very underrated and could do some damage in the next few years if they can replenish their D. Long term, look at Favre (should gain 10-20% between now and enshrinement), Carson Palmer, and definitely Vick after this season if Atlanta doesn't reach the Super Bowl. Always good to get a guy after a disappointing year.

Lee

ndleo

Regarding Curtis and Walter. In NFL history only Marcus Allen was able to gain over 3500 yds after the age of 33. And he didn't have near the carries as Curtis at 33. Here are the other comparable backs, Barry and Jim Brown never played to age 33.

Allen 3698
Emmitt 2168
Dorsett 1159
Walter 533
Dickerson 91

It will all depend how he does this year. With Chad out, Curtis is in for a challenge to get to 1000.

CDnuts is right, old RBs just seem to vanish. Elway and Marino have been gone for a while and I still see them on TV. Hell even Boomer and Phil Simms are higher profile than Emmitt or Marcus Allen.

Cieron

Well, Martin is officially 3,164 yards behind Payton after week 3, and he turns 33 on 5/01/2006, so I guess he needs a big year this year. Better than the 2.8 yards a carry he's averaging at the moment anyway...