On this day in history, December 24, 2000, Marshall Faulk wrote his name in NFL history by breaking Emmitt Smith’s single-season touchdown record.
Faulk’s electrifying performance, which included three touchdowns and 220 total yards, powered the St. Louis Rams to a 26-21 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Let’s revisit this incredible achievement and the career of one of the NFL’s greatest dual threat running backs.
The context: a high-octane Rams offence
Marshall Faulk was the centrepiece of the Rams’ 'Greatest Show on Turf,' an offense that dominated the NFL in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Led by quarterback Kurt Warner, wide receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, and Faulk’s dynamic versatility, the Rams were nearly unstoppable. Faulk’s ability to excel as both a runner and a receiver made him the engine of this high-powered attack.
Breaking the touchdown record
Faulk entered the game against the Saints needing just one touchdown to tie Emmitt Smith’s record of 25 touchdowns in a single season, set in 1995.
Faulk didn’t just tie the record; he shattered it. His three touchdowns — two on the ground and one through the air — propelled him to 26 scores for the season, setting a new NFL standard.
A dominant performance
In addition to the touchdowns, Faulk amassed 220 total yards — 133 rushing and 87 receiving. His ability to break tackles, find seams in the defence, and turn routine plays into explosive gains showcased why he was one of the most complete running backs in NFL history.
MVP-level play
Faulk’s record-breaking game was part of a season for the ages. He finished the 2000 campaign with 26 touchdowns and over 2,100 yards from scrimmage, earning him NFL MVP honours.
His dual-threat ability was unmatched, and his production both as a runner and receiver revolutionised the running back position.
Legacy of the record
Faulk’s single-season touchdown record stood until 2003, when Priest Holmes surpassed it with 27 touchdowns. Shaun Alexander matched the 27 touchdown mark in 2005 before LaDainian Tomlinson broke the 30 touchdown barrier in 2006 setting a 31 endzone visit in 2006 which still stands today. Even though the record was broken, Faulk’s performance remains one of the most memorable achievements in NFL history.
His 26-touchdown season highlighted his consistency, versatility, and ability to perform at an elite level week-after-week.
The importance of the game
The win over the Saints was crucial for the Rams, as it kept them in playoff contention during a competitive season. Faulk’s heroics underlined his value not only as a statistical marvel but also as a clutch performer capable of carrying his team to victory.
Marshall Faulk’s lasting impact
Faulk retired as one of the most accomplished running backs in NFL history, with over 12,000 rushing yards, nearly 7,000 receiving yards, and 156 total touchdowns.
His ability to dominate in both facets of the game has influenced a generation of running backs, including modern stars like Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara.
Marshall Faulk’s record-breaking day in 2000 wasn’t just about setting a new mark; it was a showcase of his unparalleled talent and the enduring greatness of one of the NFL’s all-time legends.
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