In case you missed it over the weekend, Curtis Martin gave one of the most honest, heart-felt induction speeches I have ever witnessed. Typically, induction speeches are all the same, full of thank yous and stories about games and teammates, but not this one. Martin, one of the leagues most durable backs of all time, talked frankly about the fact that he didn't even like football. He explained that felt he was given the talent and opportunity to play the game, and did so out of duty more so than enjoyment of the game. The most touching part of the speech was his statements that he didn't want his eventual eulogy to be filled with talk of stats and accomplishments on the field, but rather the example he set for his daughter of how a man should live his life.
I must admit that I was never a Curtis Martin fan. I never knew much about Martin, nor did I care to learn anything about him. Perhaps I am regretting that a bit now that I have had a glimpse into the soul of what appears to be a truly remarkable man. Unfortunately, we focus on the athletes that call attention to themselves, either intentionally through constant self-promotion, or unintentionally with their unsavory behavior on and off the field and the Curtis Martins seem to go unnoticed and unappreciated. It makes you wonder how many Curtis Martins are out there. I wish we knew.
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