Speaking exclusively to the LAFB Network, former franchise running back Shaun Alexander commented what he remembered about the Los Angeles Rams from the era in which he played:
Shaun Alexander on Los Angeles Rams Running Backs Of His Time
“The first thing I remember is Marshall Faulk being amazing. That was the beginning of my career… Marshall Faulk was special. I wanted to be that guy and that’s what motivated me. Steven Jackson was just amazing so between those two guys, [that was a great room]. Great quarterbacks, fabulous running backs.”
Marshall Faulk joined the Rams in 1999 and delivered six seasons of production for the team, totaling 58 touchdowns and nearly 7000 yards through the 2005 season. Steven Jackson took over from Faulk starting in 2005 and produced eight consecutive seasons of at least 1000 yards and two with at least 1400 yards.
Alexander on Modern Running Backs
He also commented on the state of the modern-day running back. Basically, he said that running backs are smaller today and players with the old-school, bigger running back types have largely transitioned to linebackers. The smaller-sized running backs have led to shorter lifespans.
“Longevity doesn’t happen with small guys. Big bodies last longer.”
Shaun Alexander rushed for at least 1000 yards in every season from 2001 through the 2005 season. In the 2005 season, Alexander was a key instrument in the Seahawks’ surge to the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In that legendary year, Alexander earned 1880 yards and a whopping 27 touchdowns on the ground.
Faulk, Jackson, Alexander, and Frank Gore served as the top running backs in that era. The Rams had two of those players.
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