Martin is the retired star running back for the New York Jets. Although his unassuming demeanor kept him out of the spotlight, he was one of the most consistent and accomplished backs in NFL history.

Born in Pittsburgh, Martin only started playing football as a senior in high school. His natural athleticism immediately was apparent, and although he received other offers, Martin decided to stick close to home and attend the University of Pittsburgh. Even though injuries plagued his college career, he was picked in the 1995 draft by the New England Patriots. He quickly excelled and won the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. During his second year with the Patriots, he was a key player in their victories in the playoffs, and while he made it to the Super Bowl, the team lost to the Green Bay Packers. In 1997 Martin moved to the New York Jets, where he spent the rest of his career. Although the Jets were never stellar during his tenure, Martin was selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times and became the oldest player to win a rushing title. However, pesky injuries sidelined Martin in 2005, making him unable to be the first player to rush over 1,000 yards eleven years in a row. He never fully recovered, and in early 2007 he announced his retirement with one of the highest rushing yard totals in history. Since his retirement, he's worked for various charities, and in 2012, he was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. [Image via Getty]