Ranking the top 25 running backs in NFL history…
6. Marshall Faulk
Drafted second overall by the Indianapolis Colts in 1994 out of San Diego State, Faulk quickly proved his dual-threat prowess, rushing for 1,054 yards as a rookie and earning Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Over five seasons with the Colts, he led the league in yards from scrimmage twice (1994, 1998), amassing over 1,000 rushing yards four times and showcasing his receiving skills with 56+ catches annually.
Traded to the St. Louis Rams in 1999, Faulk’s career soared as part of the “Greatest Show on Turf,” winning Super Bowl XXXIV with 90 all-purpose yards in the victory.
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He earned MVP in 2000 with 2,189 scrimmage yards and three straight Offensive Player of the Year awards (1999-2001), including 1,359 rushing and 830 receiving yards in 2000. Seven Pro Bowls and three All-Pro nods highlighted his Rams tenure.
Faulk’s career totals include 2,836 rushes for 12,279 yards (4.3 average) and 100 rushing touchdowns, plus 767 receptions for 6,875 yards and 36 scores, totaling 19,154 scrimmage yards and 136 touchdowns—the only player with 12,000 rushing and 6,000 receiving yards.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.
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Faulk’s standout attributes were his elite vision, balance and hands, making him a prototype modern back. He was a versatile chess piece: a patient runner with cutback ability, plus route-running like a receiver to exploit mismatches.
While injuries ended his career in 2007, his innovation influenced pass-heavy offenses. Faulk remains a blueprint for all-purpose backs in today’s NFL.
But who ranks ahead of Faulk at No. 5 all-time?
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