A significant shift is on the horizon for college football, and it’s one that fans are buzzing about. Starting in 2025, the legendary Hall of Fame running back, Marshall Faulk, will be joining the coaching staff of the Colorado Buffaloes as their new running backs coach. This announcement came from the university on February 6, highlighting a strategic partnership between Faulk and Deion Sanders, another titan of the game and the current head coach of the Buffaloes. With both names revered in the football community, there’s a palpable excitement surrounding what this collaboration might bring to the team.
Marshall Faulk’s credentials don’t just speak; they roar. As one of the most prolific running backs in NFL history, he’s not just another name on the roster. In 1994, Faulk burst onto the scene, capturing the Offensive Rookie of the Year award after racking up an impressive 1,282 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in his inaugural season. That was just the beginning. Over his remarkable 12-year career, primarily with the Indianapolis Colts and the St. Louis Rams, Faulk showcased his versatility by surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in seven different seasons. His accolades include three All-Pro selections, an MVP title in 2000, and a unique achievement: he was the first player in NFL history to reach over 12,000 rushing yards and 6,000 receiving yards. And yes, he knows what it’s like to win, contributing to a Super Bowl victory with the Rams.
As Faulk takes on this coaching role, he’ll be stepping into uncharted territory. This will be his first formal coaching position, following in the footsteps of Gary Harrell, who held the role for the past two years. It’s a big leap from being a celebrated player to coaching the next generation, but if anyone knows what it takes to succeed in the high-pressure world of football, it’s Faulk. His experience on the field—balancing speed, agility, and skill—will undoubtedly translate into invaluable lessons for young players eager to carve their paths.
Last season, the Buffaloes boasted a solid 9-4 record, largely thanks to the impressive play of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who threw for over 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns. However, when it came to running the ball, the team faced considerable challenges. They found themselves at the bottom of the rushing rankings among 134 FBS teams, a reality that the coaching staff hopes to change. Isaiah Augustave led the team in rushing with 384 yards, but the collective rushing performance was a far cry from what they aspired to achieve. With Faulk’s extraordinary prowess in the backfield, there’s hope that he can breathe new life into the rushing game.
The combination of Sanders and Faulk has many within the football community feeling optimistic. Fans want to see their beloved Buffaloes transform their offense and reclaim their place among the competitive teams in college football. Faulk’s hands-on experience and remarkable track record present a unique opportunity for young athletes as they learn to navigate the complexities of the game from a coach who has truly “been there and done that.”
As the anticipation builds for this new phase in both Faulk’s career and the Buffaloes’ journey, one thing is clear: with legends like Marshall Faulk joining the coaching ranks, the future is bright for Colorado football. The community is rallying, and there’s a sense of hope and excitement that change is on the way. The Buffaloes are ready to charge forward, and with a Hall of Fame running back at the helm of their rushing attack, they could be on the brink of something great. The stage is set, and everyone’s watching. Let’s see how far they can go!
