Note: If you have yet to hear, I am Keith and am filling in for Chas today. He’ll be back tomorrow.

My memories of former Pitt running back Curtis Martin began before I knew I’d be attending Pitt. Being from Maine I cheered for the Patriots – who drafted Martin in the third round and stupidly let him walk after three years – growing up.

I would suggest passing on Martin — the NFL’s No. 4 career rusher — in your upcoming fantasy draft (along with every other Jets player). If Martin’s career isn’t over, by all accounts it’s pretty close.

Two sources close to Curtis Martin told the New York Daily News that the running back talked about retirement before deciding to give it a go for another season, and one of the sources told the newspaper “I’d be really shocked if he came back.”

Those in Jets camp know little of Martin’s status.

“Curtis? I haven’t really talked to him,” said fellow running back Derrick Blaylock. “I really don’t know how he’s feeling right now.”

Curious, considering coach Eric Mangini said that Martin has attended all position and team meetings.

Then there is Chad Pennington, who said, “I haven’t seen Curtis that much. I’ve been going from meetings to eating back to meetings to rehab. My schedule’s been so full, I haven’t gotten a chance to sit down and talk to him.”

While his teammates know little, the media caught up with Martin recently.

“I’m working out as hard as I can,” said Martin, resolute as always. “I’m here every single day and probably up here longer than most of the other players because I’m doing extra work. … I don’t know how long it will take me. All I can do is keep working the way I’m doing.”

Martin comes off as being a class act. He’s one spot ahead of Jerome Betttis on the career rushing list, and until recently had as many Super Bowl rings as The Bus. However, his superstar status has never reached Jerome-like proportions. He plays for a big-market team, but he’s just not a media mooch charismatic guy like Bettis.

I find it interesting that Pitt/Pittsburgh doesn’t have much of an attachment to Martin. He went to Allderdice High School and didn’t seem to burn any bridges at Pitt, yet you never hear too much about him. I can’t even find his Pitt stats anywhere (can anyone help me with this?)

Here’s my dilemma: Who does/should get in the Hall of Fame? Martin? Bettis? Both?

Also, share some Martin-Pitt memories if you have them.