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| Curtis Martin Quiet Superstar? |
Here I am at LaGuardia Airport on a very cold morning in December. It’s around 5:30am and I am reading the NY Daily News prior to boarding my flight. The article I was reading mentioned Curtis Martin who I believe was a superstar. The only thing is, I am not sure how many people would agree with me because he did things very quietly. Even though he played his NFL career in New England and New York – clearly two of the biggest sports markets, he went quietly about his business. He rarely made the headlines. I don’t recall if he was ever in trouble with the law. I was curious on where he ranks with the all time greats. Did you know that Curtis Martin . . .
- Only missed 8 games in his 11 year NFL career
- Retired at 32 years old
- Ranks 3 all time in career rushing attempts
- Ranks 3 all time in touches
- Ranks 4 all time in rushing yards
- Ranks 7 all time in yards from scrimmage
- Ranks 10 all time in rushing yards per game
- Ranks 10 all time in all-purpose yards
I must admit I didn’t know most of those stats. After thinking about Curtis, I then started to think about quiet superstars–athletes that go about their business and have amazing stats but either play in a small market or are so quiet they are often overshadowed by other athletes.
Another one came to mind very quickly. Dirk Nowitzki is an amazing talent. He reminds me a lot of Larry Bird. Yes Dirk is taller but both athletes were very smart on the court, played well above their athletism, made teammates so much better and had unbelievable stats.
Did you know that Dirk Nowitzki . . .
- Ranks 15 all time in career free throw percentage
- Ranks 23 all time in points per game
- Ranks 25 all time in defensive rebounds per game
- Ranks 30 all time in career free throws
- Ranks 34 all time in points
The list goes on and on with Dirk. The interesting thing for me is he is ONLY 30 years old.
In an era where superstars are usually very vocal . . .
- What do you think of my choices for quiet superstars?
- Who makes your list?
I look forward to reading your thoughts and comments.
Gwen says:
Dirk Nowitzki is definitely on my list…and, tonight, he should hit the 20,000 point milestone. He will be the 34th player in NBA history to do so.
There is also something about Jason Kidd, who despite being very well known, has a quiet confidence about him.
Eric Brall says:
I’ve got to go with Larry Fitzgerald. He never makes the news for anything negative at all, always seems like a legitimate good guy, and MY favorite – he doesn’t celebrate like an idiot when he scores touchdowns. High fives a few teammates, tosses the ball to the ref, and jogs off the field. Everyone here in phoenix loves him, and it’s not JUST because he can catch a football.
He doesn’t have the career credentials of the guys mentioned above yet, but..he will soon enough. He already has some league records (especially since the 2009 playoffs, and people forget he’s only 26 years old.
Tom Mularz says:
Jermaine Dye certainly qualifies.
His reward?……. a likely bus ticket to the North side!
- Tom
Merrill Dubrow says:
Tom,
Great addition to the list! I always liked Kermaine Dye. Thanks.
Merrill
Lynn Stalone says:
You’ve got my vote on that. How about Darren Sproles?? He’s been a huge asset to the Chargers this year, but you don’t see/hear him out there talking smack. Or kicking the challenge flag…
The entire Jets team gets the nod for being quiet and humble, in my opinion. Class act all the way around.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Lynn,
Very good choices for sure. The Jets have had a very “quiet” year with the exception of the trash talk before and in the New England game. They have surprised lots of people (including me) and teams this year!
Who knows – the next stop for them might be the Super Bowl!
Merrill
Will Morris says:
I have no particular reason to be a fan of Ichiro Suzuki but I am really fascinated by what he has done in just 9 years with the Mariners. His records surpass or match up with the all time greats who played for many more years. He will probably be 1st on each of the following lists before he retires.
* Most Hits in a single season 262. The previous record was set by George Sisler in 1920. He is also 10th on the list with 242.
* 5 seasons with over 215 hits. Paul Waner is 1st with 7. Honus Wagner also has 5.
* 9 seasons with over 200 hits. Pete Rose is 1st with 10 and Ty Cobb also has 9. All 9 of his are consecutive.
* 4 consecutive batting titles. Ty Cobb and Rogers Hornsby only had 3 consecutive titles.
* 6 seasons leading the league in hits. Ty Cobb has 8. Pete Rose and Tony Gwynn have 7. Stan Musial 6.