Yesterday I said a farewell to Chad Ochocinco. Then I got in my car and on the way to work heard Toucher and Rich interviewing Kevin Faulk. The same Kevin Faulk that came back from a torn in 2010 only to be placed on the PUP list last season and activated for just a few games. Yup, same guy.
In his time in New England Faulk was known for his blocking ability in the backfield and for his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. You never thought of him as your guy when it was fourth and one, but he had a role.
A role he fell into after years with the fumbles. I remember watching him with his Michelin elbow pads and screaming with my buddies “Don’t give it to Faulk!!”. He couldn’t be trusted. Surfing over and checking his stats he had six fumbles in 2000, four in 2003, three in 2005 and only once since 2009. Becoming a situational back lessens your carries and lessens your chances to fumble.
Anyways, he was being interviewed by Toucher and Rich about his future in football. Personally I thought after the injury in 2010 he was all done. But the team thought otherwise and had him back to groom the young backs they drafted. He was there as a mentor to help them along.
Faulk said that he wouldn’t play for a team other than the Pats but that he hadn’t thought about retirement. He said although he’s a free agent, he’s staying in shape for if/when the phone rings. He’s still hanging out in Gillette, working out with the team and stuff. Just no contract.
I think he isn’t far enough removed to me a coach. But chances are his knowledge of the playbook is going to be better than anyone you’d hire off the street. Why not roll the dice? Let him help the young guys again?
Bottom line is, I think he’s done. BenJarvus GReen-Ellis went to Cinci and they didn’t re-sign Faulk, I think they’re ready to move on with the backs on the roster. They have the two guys they drafted last year in Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley, plus they grabbed free agent Jospeh Addai. Plus they still have Danny Woodhead on the roster and invited undrafted rookie Brandon Bolden to camp.
So thanks for the memories Kevin but I think it’s time to hang up the Michelin elbow pads.
