Marshall Faulk didn’t plan on returning to the sidelines until Deion Sanders called. What began as a casual conversation between longtime friends turned into something deeper.
Coach Prime’s passion for transforming Colorado football was contagious, but that wasn’t the only thing that moved Faulk. Beneath the surface, there was a personal reason that made the decision feel right, one tied to family and staying close to the people who matter most.
So when Deion Sanders offered him a spot on the Colorado Buffaloes staff, Faulk didn’t hesitate. Beyond coaching, Marshall’s decision to come to Boulder gave him a chance to come home to purpose.
How Marshall Faulk Accepted Deion Sanders’ Offer to Coach at Colorado
When Coach Prime approached Faulk about joining Colorado football, it wasn’t an easy yes, at least not at first. “It’s funny that the deciding factor was the fact that I played football and I wasn’t around my kids growing up young, and as they were getting older, I was like, I want to be there for this,” explained Marshall Faulk.
Family came first this time. He admitted he didn’t want to commit to anything that would take him away from his children again. What sealed the deal was his youngest daughter.
“And I have my youngest, she’s uh, she’s a senior in high school. She’s turning 18 today… I asked her, I was like, ‘Hey, I have this opportunity. What do you think?’ And she was like, ‘Dad, Colorado’s one of the schools on my list.’ I’m like, ‘Wow, this is just crazy.’ So it worked out.”
For Marshall Faulk, that moment felt like fate. A rare alignment of family, faith, and football.
How Marshall Faulk Brings Out the Best in Colorado Players
At Colorado football, Marshall Faulk isn’t just teaching plays, he’s transforming mindsets. The Hall of Fame running back takes a deeply personal approach, focusing on changing lives as much as improving performance.
Despite being one of the most decorated backs in NFL history, with a Super Bowl title in 2000, an MVP award, a Pro Football Hall of Fame, and three straight Offensive Player of the Year honors from 1999–2001, Faulk leaves his ego at the door. He connects with players as a mentor, not a legend.
When coaching, he reminds himself of his true role: “How do I teach what I know? How do I teach what I saw? And so, it gets me into the mindset of being more of an educator instead of an evaluator or spectator.”
At Boulder, that humility and hands-on guidance are what make Coach Prime’s staff so special.