Faulk May Set Out Year, Work on TV

In an attempt to rest his aching knees, St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk may decide to set out the year and work on TV.

Faulk's agent Rocky Arceneaux, told the St. Louis Post Dispatch that he has lined up a job for Faulk as an analyst on the NFL Network. After taking a year off to let his knees rest and heal, perhaps Faulk will feel like giving football another try. So his agent says.

Faulk continues to send mixed signals about his future. The veteran running back was quoted as saying "I'm playing" by longtime confidant Mike Silver, the Sports Illustrated football writer.

But according to the Dispatch, Faulk may need another round of knee surgery in the near future, and if Faulk has the surgery, the Rams would most likely place him on injured reserve for the 2006 season -- meaning he'd sit out the year, with full pay.

This is a case of the mind being willing but the body saying no way. Yes a year off will give Faulk a chance to heal, rest his knees and get 100 percent, but at his age and with the wear and tear of 12 NFL seasons behind him, how productive can he be when and if he does come back?

Marshall is the best all-purpose back in NFL history. The guy has rushed for 12,279 yards, scored 136 touchdowns and caught 797 passes. His resume is sparkling. Couple that awesome talent with his love for the game and of course it would be hard to call it quits. Jerry Rice suffered the same problem and he played about three years too long.

I for one hope he does come back. I still think Faulk can contribute with his pass catching ability, leadership and his understanding of the game. The question is - can he get healthy enough and does he still mentally want to play?

These are the questions Faulk must answer and right now - Marshall really isn't sure, but he just can't bring himself to retire. The finality of it all is too much to make that decision at this moment in time.

Faulk, who has missed all of the Rams' off season activities, rushed for only 292 yards on 65 carries last season, playing behind Steven Jackson. If Faulk does retire, the Rams would save $2 million on the salary cap this season, but they'd take about a $4 million hit on the cap next season in the form of his prorated bonus money.

If Faulk sets out, the Rams need to find a backup for Jackson. St. Louis signed Tony Fisher in the off season, but he's going to be the third-down back. The Rams will search the waiver wire or try to swing a deal. Rumor has it that New Orleans Saints running back Michael Bennett may be heading to Rams Park.

No matter what he decides to do, Faulk has earned the right for the Rams to wait on him. He's the face of the franchise who brought St. Louis it's first Super Bowl title(1999). Faulk is an all-time great and no matter what he decides to do, the NFL and the game of football rarely is blessed with a talent such as his.


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