From 3rd String to Superstar
In the early 90s, a kid from New Orleans, La headed out west to play for San Diego State University. The Aztecs recruited him as a running back, his favorite position, even though he was a terror on defense as well.
When the 1991 season kicked off, he was 3rd on the depth chart as a true freshman. But an odd occurrence in the second game of the season thrust him into the spotlight and the rest as they say is history.
That kid’s name was Marshall Faulk.
High School Phenom
Faulk played at Carver High School in New Orleans. Blessed with sprinter speed (4.3 in the 40-yard dash, 10.3 in the 100 meters) and immense talent, he played both running back and defensive back.
He received scholarship offers from all the major college programs, but most wanted him to play on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, during his senior season, Faulk intercepted 11 passes. He returned six of them for touchdowns.
However, he liked the running back position better. So, when the recruiters from San Diego State came looking for a running back, Faulk jumped at the chance and headed to sunny California.
A Lost Helmet Leads to College Football Greatness
In week 2 of the 1991 season, the Aztecs faced off against Pacific. The starter at running back, senior T.C. Wright, was forced to the bench with an injury in the 1st quarter. The backup, Wayne Pittman, somehow lost his helmet and couldn’t go in. The coaching staff then called Faulk’s number and inserted him into the game.
Faulk then dominated.
He carried 37 times for a then NCAA record 386 yards and seven touchdowns in a 55–34 win over Pacific, including scoring runs of 61 and 47.
Late in that 1991 season, Faulk rushed for 154 yards against the mighty Hurricanes of Miami. It was the most rushing allowed by a Miami defense since 1987.
He rushed for 119 yards and 2 TDs and caught 6 passes for 116 yards and 2 more scores in a 52–52 tie with BYU.
Faulk went on to rush for a total of 1429 yards and 21 touchdowns (plus the two TDs receiving) in one of the greatest freshman seasons ever in college football. As a result, he was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
1992 Season and a Heisman Snub
Faulk followed up his sensational freshman season with an even better sophomore campaign. He wasted no time in week 1 against USC.
Faulk rushed for 220 yards on 27 carries and three touchdowns against the mighty Trojans in a 31–31 tie.
He went on to rush for 1630 yards (led the NCAA) and 15 touchdowns. He was again a favorite for the Heisman Trophy. Faulk was named a Consensus All-American.
But he finished 2nd in the Heisman voting that season, behind Miami QB Gino Torretta, one of the biggest snubs in the history of the award.
1993 Season-Faulk Improves His Game Even More
In his junior season, Faulk improved his game substantially. He rushed for 1530 yards and 21 touchdowns. In addition, he caught 47 passes for 640 receiving yards.
For his efforts, he was named Consensus All-American once again. He finished 4th in the Heisman voting.
A Stellar Career with the Aztecs
In his three years at San Diego State, Faulk rushed for 4,589 yards. He accumulated 5,562 all-purpose yards (a school record) and scored 62 total touchdowns.
His college football awards and accolades include:
- WAC Offensive Player of the Year-1992
- 3X All-American
- 2X Consensus All-American
- 3X All-WAC
- #28 SDSU Jersey Number was retired
Faulk declared for the 1994 NFL Draft as was regarded as one of the top collegiate prospects.
He was selected #2 overall in the first round by the Indianaoplis Colts.
A Hall of Fame Career in the Pros
Faulk did not disappoint in the NFL. In his rookie season of 1994, He rushed for 1282 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and was named the MVP of the Pro Bowl.
His NFL awards and accolades also included:
- Led the NFL in Total Yards from Scrimmage, 2227 yards (1998)
- 3X NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1999–2001)
- Super Bowl XXXIV Champion (1999 season with St. Louis Rams) 23–16 win over the Tennessee Titans.
- Led the NFL in rushing TDs (2000)
- NFL MVP (2000)
- 6X All-Pro
- 7X Pro Bowl Selection
- St. Louis Rams Ring of Fame
- Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor
Faulk rushed for 12,279 career yards and 100 touchdowns. In addition, he caught 767 passes for 6875 yards and 36 TDs.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
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