Boulder, CO – In yet another headline-grabbing move, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders has bolstered his Colorado football staff with Hall of Fame pedigree, hiring legendary running back Marshall Faulk as the Buffaloes’ new running backs coach. The addition of Faulk—one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in NFL history—brings instant credibility, expertise, and recruiting firepower to a Colorado program aiming for national relevance.

A Hall of Fame Career: The Legend of Marshall Faulk

Before stepping into coaching, Faulk dominated at every level of football. The New Orleans native built a résumé few can match, blending elite vision, game-breaking speed, and an unmatched ability to impact both the ground and passing game.

NFL Stardom & The “Greatest Show on Turf”

Faulk’s name is synonymous with offensive brilliance, particularly from his time with the St. Louis Rams, where he redefined the running back position. As the engine of the “Greatest Show on Turf”, Faulk won NFL MVP honors in 2000, led the Rams to a Super Bowl XXXIV victory, and became the first running back in NFL history to post four consecutive seasons with 2,000+ yards from scrimmage.

His accolades include:
✅ Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (2011)
✅ NFL MVP (2000)
✅ Super Bowl champion (1999 season)
✅ Seven-time Pro Bowler
✅ Three-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year
✅ 12,279 rushing yards, 6,875 receiving yards, 136 total touchdowns

Faulk wasn’t just an elite runner—he was a matchup nightmare. His ability to catch passes and attack defenses in space changed the way teams valued running backs, making him a blueprint for modern all-purpose backs.

Dominance at San Diego State

Before his NFL stardom, Faulk made his mark at San Diego State, where he rushed for 1,429 yards and 21 touchdowns as a true freshman. He finished his college career as one of the most electrifying backs of his era, earning:
🏆 Heisman Trophy runner-up (1992)
🏆 Three-time First-Team All-American
🏆 College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2017)

His impact at SDSU made him a top-three pick in the 1994 NFL Draft, launching a Hall of Fame career that would revolutionize the position.

Joining an Elite Coaching Staff: A Hall of Fame Trifecta

Faulk’s arrival in Boulder strengthens a coaching staff that already features two Hall of Famers in Deion Sanders and Warren Sapp. With Sanders leading the program, Sapp coaching the defensive line, and now Faulk shaping the running backs, Colorado’s staff boasts three of the greatest players in football history.

This move is more than just a splashy hire—it’s a strategic play for credibility, development, and recruiting dominance. High school prospects dream of learning from the greats, and now, top running backs across the country have a direct path to being mentored by one of the best to ever do it.

For Sanders, who continues to attract elite coaching talent, Faulk’s addition aligns with his vision of turning Colorado into a destination for NFL-caliber players.

What This Means for Colorado Football

Hiring Faulk isn’t just about the name—it’s about the knowledge he brings. His expertise in developing all-purpose backs fits perfectly with Colorado’s offensive evolution. Expect Buffaloes running backs to:

🔹 Improve as pass-catching threats—Faulk was a pioneer in the passing game.
🔹 Master NFL-caliber vision and patience—His understanding of blocking schemes is unmatched.
🔹 Enhance speed and explosiveness—His track background and footwork were elite.

For recruiting, this move sends a message: If you’re a top high school running back with NFL aspirations, why wouldn’t you want to learn from Marshall Faulk? The Buffaloes are now positioned to compete for blue-chip running backswho might otherwise have chosen powerhouse programs.

Beyond Football: A Legacy of Leadership

Faulk’s impact extends beyond the field. As a former NFL Network analyst, he brings an insightful, media-savvy presence to Colorado’s brand. Off the field, he’s deeply involved in philanthropy through The Marshall Faulk Foundation, which helps provide educational opportunities for underprivileged youth.

His addition isn’t just about coaching—it’s about leadership, mentorship, and building a winning culture at Colorado.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

With Faulk now in the fold, Colorado’s running game could see an immediate transformation. Pairing his expertise with Coach Prime’s leadership and Sapp’s defensive mind, the Buffaloes are stacking up a coaching staff built on experience, excellence, and a championship mindset.

As the Buffaloes prepare for year three of the Sanders era, one thing is clear: Colorado isn’t just trying to compete—they’re building a program with Hall of Fame standards.

The question now: How quickly will Faulk’s impact translate into wins?

One thing’s for certain—the nation will be watching.