EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - There was no shortage of Terrible Towel-waving fans Sunday in Giants Stadium.
But not everyone who traveled from Pittsburgh to Northern New Jersey did so to cheer on the Steelers.
The New York Jets honored Curtis Martin at halftime, and a sizable contingent from Martin's native Pittsburgh made the trip for the ceremony.
His mother, Rochella, and high school coach, Mark Wittgarner, were among those on hand for Curtis Martin Day.
"I'm grateful to them for making the drive," said Martin, who officially retired in July because of a knee injury. "I've never been honored in the way the Jets are honoring me."
Martin could one day experience the highest honor an NFL player can receive.
The resume he put together during a 12-year playing career makes the former Taylor-Allderice High School and Pitt star a strong candidate for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Martin's 14,101 rushing yards rank fourth on the NFL's all-time list, and he scored 102 touchdowns during a career in which he made the Pro Bowl five times. He won an NFL rushing title in 2004 and was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1995.
The Jets renamed their team MVP award after Martin, who won it four times in nine seasons with New York.
Bill Parcells, who coached Martin in New England and New York, called him "one of the greatest backs in NFL history."
Speaking at the halftime ceremony, Parcells said, "I was honored to coach him."
