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NFL: Ranking every MVP winner in league history based on pro career

By Hans Themistode

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during a NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during a NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images) /
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Marshall Faulk
Marshall Faulk (Photo by SCOTT ROVAK/AFP via Getty Images) /

Ranking every MVP winner in NFL history: 15. Marshall Faulk

Stats:

  • 12,279 rushing yards
  • 100 rushing yards

Sometimes, a running back needs a bit of time. With the college game played at a somewhat slower and less physical level, new backs oftentimes find the NFL difficult to adjust to. Not for Marshall Faulk however.

In just his first year, he rushed for 1,282 yards and 11 touchdowns. Outside of his one down year with the Indianapolis Colts in 1996 where he rushed for only 587 yards, Faulk was always a thousand yard back during his time there.

If we could strap a lie detector to former general manager Bill Polian, we’re confident that he would admit that trading Faulk before the start of the 1999 season as opposed to paying him, was a boneheaded move.

With the St. Louis Rams, Faulk and quarterback Kurt Warner, created “The Greatest Show on Turf.” They’d go on to win the Super Bowl in his first season with the squad and he’d pocket an MVP award the following year after rushing for 1,359 yards, and 18 touchdowns, to go along with a league leading 5.3 yards per carry.

The Rams were never able to replicate that level of Super Bowl success but with a Super Bowl ring, MVP award, and a gold jacket sitting on his mantle, we’re sure Faulk is happy with the way his career turned out.

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