For the last eight seasons, the New York Jets have had trouble finding consistency at a couple of positions on the football field. One area where they have not had any worries is at the running back position, thanks to the awe-inspiring play of Curtis Martin.

Martin came to Jets following the 1997 season when he played for the New England Patriots. When they got him, they got much more than just a great running back. They got a true competitor who does whatever it takes to win.

Drafted by the New England Patriots in 1995, Martin made an immediate impact rushing for 1,487 yards in his first season. He is one of only three running backs to have 10 straight 1,000 yard seasons.

Currently, he is ranked fourth all-time in rushing with 13,974 yards, and is tied for 16th with 100 touchdowns in his career. These are numbers that should make him a shoe in for the Hall of Fame.

What makes these numbers more impressive is the fact that, in his entire career, he has only missed four games.

Running back is a very demanding, grueling position, and can wear a player out very fast. The average NFL running back’s career usually ends around age 30 or 31. Yet, last season at age 31, Martin amassed 1,697 yards leading the league and setting a personal best.

He has been able to accomplish all of this while battling injury after injury. One season, he played with a partially torn patella tendon, another season with a high ankle sprain, the following season with two high ankle sprains, and currently with a sprained knee that doesn’t seem to get any better.

His heart is the biggest part of his game. He is a warrior and has been the heart and soul of the Jets for the past eight seasons. An emotional leader on and off the field, Martin truly exemplifies a professional football player, and demonstrates on a daily basis how to succeed in this league.

Unfortunately, given his age (32), and the state of the Jets, this is most likely his final season as a full time feature back, as the Jets will almost certainly look to rebuild the running game in the off-season.

Martin recently said he only intends to play two more years, and next year would be his final season. However, it is not entirely out of the question that he leaves after this season, given his health and role for next season.

If this is the final year of his career, it has been nothing but pleasure to watch #28 run for my favorite team during the past eight seasons. The traits of dedication, commitment and hard work that he has shown are those that every player and, for that matter, every person should have in life.

Whoever takes over for Curtis Martin in the future should model himself after Martin to succeed at the this level.