<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>End near as Curtis takes cutNew deal bad signBY RICH CIMINIDAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITERWith two revealing moves in a five-day span, the Jets provided further evidence that Curtis Martin never may play for them again.The trade for Kevan Barlow, which became official yesterday when the former 49ers running back passed the Jets' physical, speaks volumes because they agreed to take on a relatively large contract. Barlow, who has three years remaining on his deal, is due to make $2.5 million this season - not the kind of money that usually goes to a part-time player/insurance policy.As a precursor to the trade, the Jets quietly renegotiated Martin's contract to cover themselves in the event that he doesn't play this season because of his knee injury, the Daily News has learned.Martin was scheduled to earn $2.5 million in base salary, but he signed a "split" contract last Wednesday that reduces his 2006 salary to $810,000, the veteran's minimum. If he's placed on season-ending injured reserve, which seems more likely with each passing day, his salary would drop to $475,000.One person familiar with the reworked contract described it as a good-faith gesture by the Jets, surmising that it were a player of lesser stature, the club probably would cut him without having to pay anything. Because it's Martin, they're giving him every chance to make a miraculous comeback.If the Jets release Martin, the fallout would be ugly from a public relations standpoint. So, in essence, they're extending a $475,000 golden parachute - if he doesn't play.Martin, 33, battling a bone-on-bone condition in his surgically repaired right knee, hasn't practiced in training camp. Some people close to him fear the NFL's fourth all-time leading rusher won't be able to play again."No change in Curtis' situation," coach Eric Mangini said yesterday.That Martin agreed to the split contract, in effect, confirms the severity of his injury. It also created nearly $1.7 million in salary-cap room, which the Jets used for Barlow. Martin had to know they'd use the money to acquire his potential replacement, the latest example of his unselfish attitude. In February, he accepted a $3.8 million pay cut, helping the team out of a dismal cap situation.Martin can recoup the lost salary by reaching performance incentives, according to a source, but that seems to be an afterthought given the dire nature of his injury.Perhaps not coincidentally, Martin signed his latest deal the day after the Lee Suggs trade was voided because of a failed physical. At that point, the Jets targeted the Falcons' T.J. Duckett and Barlow, the latter a much more expensive option than Suggs.Fittingly, Martin was the first to greet Barlow when he showed up in the locker room. As a kid growing up in Pittsburgh, Barlow idolized Martin. They've followed nearly identical paths. Both survived the city's meanest streets. Both had to cope with the murders of relatives and friends. Both went on to star at Pitt and both became third-round draft picks."As soon as I walked in, he took me under his wing. He embraced me," Barlow said. "Curt was the guy I looked up to as a kid. There was no one bigger than Curtis Martin in Pittsburgh. To learn under Curtis is wild to me ... I was sitting in the locker room before practice and I was in awe. I was like, 'Wow, I've got Curtis Martin, a Hall of Fame running back, sitting next to me.'"Unlike Martin, Barlow has some character issues. In San Francisco, he clashed with coaches, criticized teammates and feuded with fullback Fred Beasley. Barlow claimed, "I'm a great guy," attributing the past problems to immaturity. Mangini said he did a background check, and that he's "comfortable" with the results.</div>Curtis Martin is one hell of a leader. Everything he does is what is in the best interest of the team first. Its really amazing how time and time again this guy proves to us all just what type of character he has. We could all learn from Curtis. He is a fantastic role model for young and old alike whether you relate to sports or not.You are the man Curtis!
When I heard that on the Radio, it didn't even come as a surprise. That's just how great this guy is.
You could always say Curtis was a team player. No matter how shitty the times were, he would do anything for his teammates to help them along the road. It's going to suck to see him go, but everyone will remember his greatness on and off the field.
Just shows you what character brings to a football team. He is 100% a team player, and a talented back at that.
