Patriots Back Top Offensive Rookie
Curtis Martin joined an impressive list when he led the AFC in rushing as a rookie. He became part of an even more illustrious group by being voted The Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Martin, who gained 1,487 yards on 368 carries and scored 14 touchdowns for the New England Patriots, led the AFC in rushing. Other rookies to pace a conference include Barry Sanders (1989), Eric Dickerson and Curt Warner (1983), George Rogers (1981) and Earl Campbell (1978).
“I wasn’t trying to prove anything to anyone,” said Martin, a third-round choice from Pittsburgh and the only rookie in the Pro Bowl. “I was just trying to come out and do my job. That’s what they pay me to do, to do my job. I just want to give my 100 percent to this team.”
Martin earned 57 votes from 88 sports writers and broadcasters nationwide to easily outdistance versatile running back Terrell Davis of Denver (16), exciting wide receiver Joey Galloway of Seattle (13), and Kordell Stewart of Pittsburgh, who got two votes for his work as a runner, passer and receiver.
Hugh Douglas, a pass-rushing demon from an NAIA powerhouse, was selected the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The defensive end from Central (Ohio) State, who was the 16th overall choice in the NFL draft, finished with 10 sacks for the Jets.
Douglas earned 57 votes. Minnesota cornerback Orlando Thomas finished second with 25 votes.
Parcells staying
Bill Parcells ended speculation about his future by announcing he intends to return as head coach of the Patriots in 1996.
During a press conference at Foxboro Stadium, the 54-year-old Parcells also disclosed he had fired one assistant and is giving serious consideration to the idea of hiring someone to work exclusively with quarterback Drew Bledsoe.
“He’s a key player on the team and he’s going to be a key player for a number of years,” Parcells said of the Bledsoe. “He’s at a point now where we can’t attribute anything to his inexperience any longer.”
Bob Trott, an assistant in charge of the defensive secondary the last three seasons, was released for what Parcells described as “performance-related” difficulties.
Snowball thrower caught
The man caught on camera throwing a snowball at a game in Giants Stadium on Saturday could face up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.
Jeffrey Lange, 26, of Bridgewater, N.J., was charged with improper behavior for allegedly throwing snowballs onto the field during the New York Giants-San Diego game.
Giants officials said 15 people called the team to identity Lange. The Giants and the sports authority offered a $1,000 reward to the first person to correctly identify Lange or provide his seat location. The Giants said he is not a season ticket holder.
The Giants also said they are taking a full-page ad Friday in The San Diego Union-Tribune, apologizing to the Chargers and wishing them well in the playoffs