Marshall Faulk Childhood

Marshall Faulk was born on February 26, 1973. He was the youngest of six brothers raised in New Orleans, LA. Growing up in one of the worst areas of the city wasn't easy for Faulk and his family. Crime and poverty ruled the housing project he lived in. The split of his parents at a young age also made life much tougher. However, through the hard times, Faulk managed to play sports. Besides football, he played guard in basketball and was an outfielder in baseball. As he grew older, sports becama Marshall's escape from the realities surrounding his home.

Marshall Faulk High School Stats and Awards

Marshall starred as a running back as well as a sprinter on the track team at George Washington Carver High School in New Orleans. That sprinter speed made Faulk one of the most dangerous backs in high school. Although most colleges wanted Faulk to play defensive back, he decided to head west to San Diego State University as the Aztecs wanted him as a running back.

Marshall Faulk College Career Stats and Notes

'Freshman Sensation' were the words used to describe Marshall Faulk’s first collegiate season. Nothing caught the nation’s attention more than his NCAA-record 386 yard, 7 TD performance against the University of Pacific on September 14, 1991. Faulk rolled in his freshman campaign, racking up 1,421 and 23 TDs. He earned the first of 3 straight All-American honors.  in 1992, he was a Heisman finalist. After his junior year, he decided it was time to leave SDSU and entered the 1994 NFL Draft.

Marshall Faulk NFL Career Stats and Notes

Faulk was drafted 2nd overall by the Indianapolis Colts. Just like his freshman year at SDSU, Faulk dazzled in his first year as a pro. He finished with and won Offensive Rookie of the Year. What made Faulk one of the most dangerous backs in the league was his ability to catch the ball. He averaged over 60 receptions a year throughout his hall of fame career. He continued to rack up the yardage during his time in Indy.

In 1999, Faulk was traded to the St. Louis Rams and ‘The Greatest Show on Turf’ was born. The Rams, led by Faulk and future Hall of Famers Kurt Warner and Isaac Bruce, showcased their blazing speed and talent on all parts of the field. With teams scrambling to contain their potent air attack, Faulk put their offense in overdrive with his all-purpose ability (more on this later). By 2005, Marshall’s place in NFL history was secure as one of the best to play the position. His 12th season would be his last as he retired at the end of the 2005 season. Faulk was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Marshall Faulk Greatest Show on Turf Seasons

Marshall Faulk’s signature moment isn’t a singular game. He had some great games, such as his NFL debut against the Houston Oilers in 1994, or the 286 yards from scrimmage game in 2001. Faulk’s three seasons from 1999-2001 solidified his greatness. In those three seasons Faulk would earn one NFL MVP (2000) and back to back to back Offensive Player of the Year awards. In 1999, he joined Roger Craig as the 2nd back in NFL history to eclipse 1,000 yards in both rushing and receiving in a season and set a then-NFL record 2,429 yards from scrimmage. He was the driving force behind the Rams explosive offense, which keyed their two Super Bowl appearances within those 3 seasons, going 1-1(won SB XXXIV).

List of Pro Football Hall of Fame Members