Regardless that it’s been 25 years since Marshall Faulk final received Offensive Participant of the 12 months, the previous Rams and Colts legend continues to be the newest participant to win the award in back-to-back years. Not solely did he win it back-to-back, Faulk joined Earl Campbell as the one gamers in historical past to win the award three years in a row. Faulk can be the newest non-quarterback to win the award greater than as soon as in his profession.
Since then, 15 totally different ability gamers have received Offensive Participant of the 12 months, none greater than as soon as. 25 years after he final received the award, Faulk’s means to win the award in every of his first three seasons with the Rams showcases why he is among the top-10 ability gamers within the historical past of the NFL.
NFL Throwback did an awesome profession retrospective on Faulk’s accomplishments this yr.
Will anybody win back-to-back once more?
When Faulk’s relationship with the Indianapolis Colts deteriorated to the purpose of no return, the group instructed Faulk that they might attempt to commerce him to the west coast. Nevertheless, all 4 groups declined to make a suggestion. Their mistake was an enormous acquire for St. Louis, because the Rams have been in a position to purchase one of many all-time legends for under a second and a fifth-round choose.
Though Faulk rushed for over 5,000 yards and practically 3,000 receiving yards in eight seasons, coming off of a season by which he completed 4 in Offensive Participant of the 12 months voting, Faulk’s days of greatness have been thought of numbered.
Photograph by Give attention to Sport/Getty Pictures
Faulk had a league-best 2,429 whole yards with the Rams, a profession excessive that he would by no means prime. Though he solely scored 12 touchdowns that season–which is sweet however now appears virtually tame for Faulk–he beat out teammate Kurt Warner to win Offensive Participant of the 12 months.
In fact, Warner took residence MVP.
Faulk’s former quarterback in Indianapolis, Peyton Manning, completed third in MVP voting behind Warner and Faulk.
The following yr, Faulk took residence each MVP and Offensive Participant of the 12 months, ending means forward of Donovan McNabb in each classes. The truth that Warner missed 5 video games in 2000, solely bolstered Faulk’s case for MVP.
This time, he scored 26 touchdowns.
The following yr would see the return of a wholesome Warner, and the quarterback received his second MVP trophy. Simply because it occurred in 1999, Faulk completed second in MVP and first in Offensive Participant of the 12 months.
Faulk’s win over Warner for OPOY–23 first place votes to 22 first place votes–is nonetheless one of many closest races in NFL awards historical past.
However whereas Faulk didn’t win three MVPs and Warner didn’t win three OPOY, each made historical past in their very own proper. Warner grew to become a two-time MVP, and Faulk grew to become a three-time OPOY. Faulk was solely 28, however by then he had labored his tail off. Over 4 extra seasons, Faulk would solely rush for two,837 yards and added 1,428 within the air. Nonetheless fairly good, however not the place he was over his first eight seasons.
Faulk averaged over 2,000 whole yards per 16 video games from 1994 to 2001. Numbers we’ll by no means see once more.
Who might win a number of OPOY awards now?
There are 4 names that come to thoughts, one in every of whom is on the Rams:
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is just 24 and has received oneJustin Jefferson is 27 and has received oneJa’Marr Chase hasn’t received but, however might be younger sufficient to win twicePuka Nacua didn’t fairly win it in 2025, but when he can keep well being and a head on his shoulders, has the expertise to get one
Christian McCaffrey practically received twice, however might be too outdated now. Derrick Henry virtually received twice, however can be too outdated. Gamers like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs may need the expertise, however haven’t received one but.
So for now, Marshall Faulk’s streak appears protected. Smith-Njigba will try to win back-to-back OPOY awards this yr, and it’s most likely somewhat bit simpler for a ability participant to do it now as a result of QBs are virtually exempt; ability gamers have received seven straight OPOY awards, for the reason that MVP has change into a de facto “Best QB” award.
He may win two. Faulk received three.
