So often in today's media culture, the bad behavior of a few overshadows the more anonymous positive accomplishments of others.

The daily sports pages usually provide a welcome respite from the harsh realities of the news section. This past year, though, the sports page and front page blended far too often. Unfortunate incidents involving high-profile athletes made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The NFL in particular has endured a series of such events. As a result, it has been a challenging few months for first-year commissioner Roger Goodell, who has put a strong emphasis on positive player behavior and accountability. Far too frequently during his brief tenure he has had to address regrettable player issues.

That's why it was so refreshing to see Goodell quoted recently in a highly complimentary manner about a retiring NFL star.

"Curtis Martin," Goodell said, "represents everything an NFL player should be."

Reading that statement should make Pitt people everywhere smile with great pride.

After 11 active seasons, Pitt's Curtis Martin has retired from the New York Jets on his own terms and with a tremendous legacy of excellence - on and off the field.

His on-the-field accomplishments are well documented and, no doubt, will lead to his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame very soon. Curtis finished with an astonishing 14,101 yards rushing, ranking behind only Emmitt Smith (18,355), Walter Payton (16,726) and Barry Sanders (15,269).

Off the field, Curtis embodied class and dignity. He always struck me as the "anti-superstar." Despite playing in the media capital of the world, Curtis conducted himself with a humbleness and low profile not often found in professional sports. Rather than seek attention with chest-pounding histrionics, he let his actions speak for him.

In addition to being one of the NFL's top rushers, Curtis also ranked at the top of the list of players who gave back to their community. He passionately has worked to make a difference.

Recently Curtis started an initiative with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg aimed at decreasing homelessness in the city by two-thirds by the year 2009. "Curtis approached philanthropy the same way he approached the game: with humility and grace," Jets owner Woody Johnson said.

Curtis Martin is a huge point of Pitt Pride. That's why I am incredibly excited to announce we will welcome him home on October 10 for our game against the Navy Midshipmen at Heinz Field. The university will honor Curtis with a halftime ceremony and video tribute.

Pitt fans still talk about his dazzling runs as a Panther from 1991-94. I'm often told Curtis' 251-yard game against the Texas Longhorns was one of the most impressive rushing performances in Pitt history. Still others can recall him starring in the Pittsburgh City League at Taylor Allderdice High School.

While it has been 13 years since his Pitt playing days, we have always been proud to call him one of our own. Thank you, Curtis, for representing your university and hometown in such outstanding fashion.

Hail to Pitt