Jets' Martin won't play this year

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. — Curtis Martin tried to outrun the inevitable.

After months of rehabilitation and countless hours working to get back on the field for the New York Jets, reality finally caught up to the NFL's No. 4 career rusher.

"I think this is as good as my knee gets, where it is right now," Martin said Wednesday at a news conference.

The Jets placed the 33-year-old Martin on the reserve physically-unable-to perform list with a bone-on-bone condition in his right knee, ending his season before it ever got started and jeopardizing his career.

"I usually deal with things the way they are now, and with the information that I know about my future, it doesn't look like it's too bright as far as me having a further career," Martin said. "And if that happens, great."

It took a few months for Martin, always classy and often overshadowed as a player, to reach the point where he could accept the idea his brilliant career might be over.

"I don't know if it's even possible," Martin said of playing again. "It hasn't been possible up to this point, so I'm not looking forward to saying I'll definitely be back next year. It's a long stretch, I'll put it that way. And that's the most honest answer I can give you."

This wasn't an official retirement announcement, but it sure sounded and looked like one, with cameras flashing every few seconds and at least two dozen reporters packed into the small media room.

"I'm officially not playing this year," Martin said. "Retirement — that may be the inevitable result. I just haven't gotten there yet."

Martin, wearing a brown baker boy hat, royal blue V-neck shirt and dark blue jeans, kept his composure throughout the nearly half-hour news conference. He referred to his career in the past tense a few times, and his outlook on playing again was far from promising. Martin also thanked the team, the fans and even the media in an apparent sign of closure.

"To think that a guy might not be able to play again is devastating," said Derrick Blaylock, who was signed last year to back up Martin. "Aside from football, this is a guy's future. If he's not going to be able to play, that means a lot."

Martin spoke with coach Eric Mangini on Tuesday night, and said he didn't think he'd be ready to practice next week — the team's deadline for a decision on his availability.