Marshall Faulk says he might be on the St. Louis Rams’ sideline Sunday against the Broncos. Don’t worry, Broncos fans, the future Hall of Fame running back would be there only as a fan.
A year from now, it could be a different story. Faulk believes there is a chance he can put his helmet back on if his knees feel right again.
“Right now, I’m very, very optimistic I can make it back,” Faulk said.
Scoot over, Deion Sanders, Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau. Faulk could be the next NFL icon who has a hard time walking away from the game he starred in since adolescence.
“I love the game,” Faulk said. “I’m at the point of time in my career and my life where I have to think about my health. It’s just slow getting back. I’m probably at about 50, 60 percent right now.”
Faulk owns a Super Bowl title ring. The 2000 league most valuable player was a three-time offensive player of the year. On NFL record lists, the versatile seven-time Pro Bowler ranks fourth in touchdowns (136), ninth in yards rushing (12,279), fourth in yards from scrimmage (19,154) and 16th in receptions (767).
“Marshall is a unique guy, and I’ve enjoyed our relationship a great deal,” said Rams vice chairman and co-owner Stan Kroenke, who also owns the Nuggets and Avalanche. “He’s very smart and is an electrifying player. He’s been a huge part of the Rams’ success and has been a wonderful ambassador for the Rams’ organization both on the field and in the community.”
Faulk, however, hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since 2001 and played behind Steven Jackson last season. Knee injuries caused Faulk to miss training camp, and on July 21 the Rams announced he would miss the entire season. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch also reported that no one in the Rams’ organization expects Faulk back in 2007, and he is getting paid
$2 million this season as a “soft landing” into retirement.
“(The Rams) have been great to me,” Faulk said. “Basically, they’ve allowed me to get better and (they say), ‘You can continue to play here as long as you want.’ That’s rare. Teams normally give you the boot. It just makes you feel appreciated.”
At age 33, Faulk is a senior citizen by NFL standards. He doesn’t walk with a limp, either. So why would he risk injury and possible embarrassment by coming back?
Maybe former Bronco Tom Graham said it best: “A hound dog with a broken leg doesn’t stop hunting.”
Respected sports psychologist Dr. Jane Miner said males playing pro or high-profile college sports often view athletics as “their identity.” She says they often get “blinded by the spotlight.”
“They never know who they really are,” Miner said. “They think they are a persona. An icon. Especially someone like a Marshall Faulk. They go through a grieving process. That’s why it’s tough to leave everything. Some are physically or chronically injured or losing strength. Plus, they are competing against guys who are young. It’s really hard.”
Faulk still is connected to football through the NFL Network, which he recently joined as a studio analyst. While he won’t be in the studio Sunday, his role will continue to grow this season.
“I’m having a ball with it. It’s another way to stay in touch with the game,” Faulk said.
Even so, there is no better feeling for an athlete than being in competition.
Memories never die until you do. But once it’s over, highlight films, trophies and press clippings don’t replace being on the hardwood or grass. That’s why many athletes who didn’t walk away on their terms would rather risk their health than ask themselves “what if” forever.
That’s why Sanders left the TV booth for the Baltimore Ravens after a three-year hiatus. That’s why Bruschi came back to the New England Patriots last season after suffering a stroke. That’s why Seau signed with the Patriots after a four-
day retirement. That’s why Faulk continues to put a lot of effort into his injury rehab.
“I’m in the pool,” Faulk said. “I’m getting my legs stronger. I’m just doing stuff like that trying to battle back.”
Yep, just like that hound dog with the broken leg.
Staff writer Marc J. Spears can be reached at 303-954-1098 or mspears@denverpost.com.
