Marshall Faulk

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Lore & Background

Faulk arrived in the NFL as a highly touted prospect from San Diego State, where he twice received unanimous All-American honors and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1992. While he showed flashes early with the Colts, his career reached mythical status when paired with the Rams' offense. In his first year in St. Louis, Faulk was the catalyst for "The Greatest Show on Turf," a nickname given to coordinator Mike Martz's aggressive Coryell-style offense. He totaled an NFL record 2,429 yards from scrimmage, eclipsing Barry Sanders's record of 2,358 yards set in 1997. With 1,381 yards rushing (5.5 yards-per-carry average), 1,048 receiving yards, and scoring 12 touchdowns, Faulk joined Roger Craig as the only men at that time to total 1,000+ yards in each category in a season. He also broke the NFL season record for most receiving yards by a running back. During the 2000 season, Faulk achieved a rare feat by winning both NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors in the same year, setting a new NFL record with 26 total touchdowns. His versatility allowed the Rams to utilize him as a primary receiver out of the backfield, stretching defenses horizontally and vertically. This era cemented the Rams' identity as an offensive juggernaut.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed over the gridiron on that cold January night in Super Bowl XXXIV. Faulk lined up in the backfield, eyes locked on Kurt Warner's grip. The snap echoed through the silent crowd. Though the Tennessee Titans' defensive scheme limited Faulk to just 17 rushing yards, he became a major part of the Rams' passing game, recording 5 receptions for 90 yards. His 90 receiving yards were the second-highest total by a running back in Super Bowl history. The Rams went on to win Super Bowl XXXIV, and Faulk's patience and diligence in learning the Rams' offense paid off in the biggest moment.

Reader's Guide

The era defined by Marshall Faulk spans roughly from 1999 to 2001, often referred to as the "Greatest Show on Turf" period. This chapter was characterized by a high-powered offense that prioritized speed and versatility over traditional power running schemes. What made this era distinct was the integration of the running back into the passing game. Faulk's ability to catch passes allowed the Rams to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties, fundamentally changing how defenses had to prepare for them. In 2000, Faulk became the first running back in NFL history to lead his team in receptions five separate seasons (three in Indianapolis and twice in St. Louis). This matters to the club's identity because it represents a peak in offensive innovation and success. It reminds fans that the franchise can produce Hall of Fame talent capable of carrying the team to championship glory on the biggest stage.

Did You Know?

• Faulk is one of only three NFL players (along with Marcus Allen and Tiki Barber) to reach at least 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards, and the only to amass 12,000 yards rushing and 6,000 yards receiving.
• In his second collegiate game, Faulk amassed 386 yards and scored seven touchdowns in 37 carries, both records for freshmen (the 386 yards were a then-NCAA record).
• Faulk won both the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and the Pro Bowl's Most Valuable Player Award in the same season, becoming the first NFL player to do so and the first rookie to win Pro Bowl MVP.
• Faulk set an NFL record with 2,429 yards from scrimmage in 1999, eclipsing Barry Sanders's record of 2,358 yards set in 1997.
• Faulk was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017.