Curtis Martin retires from the NFL

NEW YORK, July 26 (UPI) -- New York Jets running back Curtis Martin, the fourth leading rusher in NFL history, Thursday announced his retirement after 11 seasons.

Martin, 34, hasn't played since the 2005 season because of ongoing knee injuries.

He retires as the league's fourth all-time leading rusher with 14,101 yards in 3,518 rushing attempts. Martin also had 90 rushing touchdowns and 10 scores on 484 receptions for 3,329 yards.

He was the NFL's leading rusher in 2004 with 1,697 yards and was named to the Pro Bowl five times.

"Retirement is not an end, but a beginning," he said in a statement. "It is not giving up a position but more of a passing of the baton."

Martin said Thursday morning on CBS's "Early Show" he intends to stay active in the NFL, pursuing an ownership role.

Martin played three seasons for the New England Patriots before joining the Jets, for whom he played eight years.