This
past year, as usual, Kevin Faulk was the third running back on the New
England Patriots' depth chart. He didn't have the size or career numbers
of some veterans, or the speed and flash of the new rookies.
But still, like he does every year, Faulk managed to make every Patriots
fan turn around and say, "Thank goodness we have Kevin Faulk."
This year, the biggest moments came during a key Week 16 win over
Houston, when Faulk compiled 46 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
In football, it's easy to put in the hard work if you know you're
going to touch the football on almost every play each Sunday. But
since he turned pro, that's never been the case for Faulk. Still,
despite not getting much attention, Faulk has quietly worked hard
each week, always prepared to make the most of his moment.
"It's all about the situation," Faulk told the Boston Globe
after making key contributions to the Patriots' riveting playoff win
over top-seeded San Diego last January. "You have to be ready."
And Faulk always has been. At Louisiana State University, Faulk essentially
rewrote the record book, setting all-time school records in rushing
yards, touchdowns, scoring, and all-purpose yards. Faulk was also
skilled returning kicks for the Tigers, whom he led to an upset of
top-ranked Florida in 1997.
He graduated college in three and a half years - something he calls
his proudest accomplishment - and began preparing for the NFL Draft,
where he was selected by the Patriots in the second round. Since turning
pro, he's set the Patriots' team record for most receptions by a running
back.
Faulk's family - including wife Latisha and children Tanasha, Kevin
III, and Kevione, are very important to him, and his goodwill extends
to the community. After Hurricane Katrina, which ravaged his native
Louisana, Faulk organized two trips to Otis Air Force Base on Cape
Cod to visit and aid displaced hurricane victims. Charity wasn't a
one-time thing, either - Faulk is frequently active with the United
Way in both Massachusetts and Louisiana, and he hosts an celebrity
softball event to benefit local charities.
