Marshall Faulk Says It's Rams - Or Nothing at All

You can see it in his eyes whenever the subject is brought up, though just seeing his body language is enough to tell the truth that shines like a beacon in his eyes; that unmistakable twinkle akin to a child staring up at the ice cream man.

When St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports writer Bryan Burwell got a moment to sit down and talk with the long-familiar subject from his years of beat writing in St. Louis, there were no brave-faced structured answers, but rather more of unguarded candor.

And then came probably the most repeated question one man has ever had to endure, and of course he knew it was coming.

"Will you play again?"

He smiled when he heard the question and nodded his head. Faulk wants to come back because he hasn't exhausted his love for the game. He doesn't want to be one of these guys who retires and then a few years later wonders if he left too early.

"I don't know," he said with a sly smirk. "It's all health-related. I have my good days, and I have my bad days."

Faulk has not played football in more than a year. He had minor surgery on both of his knees about a year ago. "Clean up" surgery, he called it. But his left knee did not respond, and he missed the Rams' mini-camps and off-season workouts. Then he had reconstruction on the left knee in August, forcing him to sit out the 2006 season.

Everyone thought his 12-year playing career was over. Everyone, that is, except Faulk

But even if he does decide to give it another go, what role would he fill in St. Louis, where he is arguably the best player in Rams history?

"That's up to Scott (Linehan)," Faulk said. "He has to decide what he wants to do."

Faulk says he wouldn't go anywhere else. It's the Rams or nothing, even if Mike Martz calls.

"I love Mike," he said, laughing, "I really do. But Mike doesn't own any team, does he? So that's the end of that."

God bless Mike Martz for what he has done for the St. Louis Rams, but seeing Marshall Faulk sporting a Lions jersey?

That just would be wrong.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-30-2007 @ 1:35AM

George B Vieto said...

Seeing Marshall Faulk in a Detroit Lions jersey is like Wonder Woman wearing Batgirl's costume.

1-30-2007 @ 3:23AM

Charlie said...

Marshall Faulk has got to give it one more shot,and then he will be satisfied no matter how it turns out.OOOORAHHH!!!

1-30-2007 @ 10:28AM

Watchdog said...

I don't think wonder woman would fit in that tight-chested batgirl costume George, I think she's a little thick up top, and I agree charlie, he's got to get it out of his system or he may never live the quality of life he deserves for his hard work.

1-30-2007 @ 5:02PM

frank Howard sr said...

I wonder wil the Texans find a better QB than they have now or use their back up?

1-30-2007 @ 7:04PM

Tony Suszko said...

Marshal Faulks attempt at a come back makes more sense than Sammy Sosa's signing with MLB's Texas tripple A club in the hopes hitting 12 more homers. The steriod batting battle between Sosa and McGuire, and nationaly televised bat corking incedent tarnished any records Sosa once held. It's this fans opinion that 12 more homers wouldnt matter. The nation never forgets a cheater. Pete Rose will tell you so.

Marshal Faulk has always been a class act with a great work ethic. He's a St. Louis, and NFL icon. He's why the country watched monday night football. I put Faulk right in there with the hero's of the game like Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Herschal Walker and Earl Campbell.

These guy's were pure runners, and I still remember the shake and bake moves Faulk made while shedding tacklers on the field. Doe's Faulk still have the moves and brute running force he once had ?

Faulk needs to be compared to RB's at the top of thier games in the present. If compared to Alaxander, Tomlinson, Reggie Bush, Thomas Jones, and Maroney, he's only mediocre, and considered to be less of a threat in todays west coast, cover two, and zone games.

It's got to be a coaches nightmare when considering granting faulk his wish. Sure, I think he can contribute on a part time basis, but is it worth it when looking at the long haul. Ask yourself if you need to bring in a promissing rookie and give him the valuable playing time, or do you play the burned out hero who may only get you thru a few games, or be an easy tackle for today's defences.

I got'a tell you, That's one tuff desicion for an owner and a coach to make. In todays game where the media thrives off "Ocho Cinco" and "T.O.'s of the game, A feel good "Come Back" story would be a warm welcome in the hearts of all football fans. (Myself included).

Again, If I'm the coach of this team, I have to be looking towards the future of bringing this team back to the playoffs. I'm going after new tallent and re building offence and defencive lines in a long term commitment to reqruit rookies in the hopes of getting franchise players out of my efforts.

If Faulk get's his wish, I will chear him on with the rest of the nation. I just have to wonder if it's going to help the future St. Louis Rams.

Tony

1-30-2007 @ 7:07PM

I would love to see Marshall come back as another special-down back with Stephen Davis - what a trio that would be!
His leadership and knowledge of the game is the stuff many coaches dream of for themselves. I sure would like to not have seen the end of Marshall on the field.