Former Jet Curtis Martin has gone from the mean streets of Pittsburgh to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The star running back with the Patriots and Jets for 11 seasons was one of six players elected Saturday to the shrine. Martin once disliked playing the game, but used it to escape a neighborhood where his grandmother was murdered.

Martin, the NFL's fourth-leading career rusher, said he turned to football "so I didn't end up jailed or dead." He added: "If you make up your mind to just do the right thing no matter what ... and you stick to it, which I did, this is how things can turn around. I feel as if my life turned around from what it used to be, and I think anyone has a chance."

Martin and four linemen were elected to the hall, along with one senior committee choice. He is joined by Chris Doleman, who played for Minnesota: Cortez Kennedy, who played for Seattle; Willie Roaf, a Saints tackle; Dermontti Dawson, a center with Pittsburgh and senior selection Jack Butler, a defensive back with Pittsburgh.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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