For his commitment and dedication to his community, ST. LOUIS RAMS running back MARSHALL FAULK has been named October’s NFL "Extra Effort" Award winner. Since joining the Rams in 1999 Faulk, through the Marshall Faulk Foundation has made tremendous contributions to the St. Louis community.

The NFL "Extra Effort" Award is presented monthly to a player who has made a significant contribution to his community, either during that particular month or on a continuing basis.  Clubs nominate players and an NFL selection panel chooses the winner.

NFL Charities will donate $1,000 on Faulk’s behalf to the Marshall Faulk Foundation.

In October, Faulk continued his long-time support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro St. Louis by serving as the honorary chair for the Rams' celebrity server dinner, Serving Up Wishes In Prime Time. He helped raise more than $130,000 to grant more than 25 wishes to people battling long-term or terminal illnesses.  Faulk alone raised more than $15,000 for the charity by working for tips.

In addition to his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Faulk teamed with the Rams Foundation to create the Rams 28 Club, an incentive program for children living in public housing that rewards them for making positive choices. Now in its sixth year, the Rams 28 Club includes youth from five participating community centers including St. Charles Boys & Girls Club (St. Charles), Cochran Community Center (St. Louis), Beyond Housing Castle Point Center (St. Louis), Jackie Joyner-Kersee Boys & Girls Club (East St. Louis) and Christian Activity Center (East St. Louis). Through the Rams 28 Club, Faulk often speaks to youth about the importance of setting goals and getting an education.

For every touchdown he makes Faulk donates $340 to the American Liver Foundation in honor of NFL Hall of Famer Walter Payton and $2,000 to the Marshall Plan which benefits youth through his foundation.

Also, this season Faulk was one of nine players “drafted” by the United Way to star in the popular public service ads that for 30 years have encouraged NFL fans to get involved in their communities.

These are just some examples of Faulk’s dedication to making a difference in his community.

The Marshall Faulk Foundation supports many charities in and around the St. Louis community and in Faulk’s hometown of New Orleans. The Foundation’s goal is to provide assistance to inner-city youth organizations and underprivileged children. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $1 million to inner city youth. 

For more information on the Marshall Faulk Foundation visit http://www.marshallfaulk.com/foundation-programs.html

For more information on the NFL “Extra Effort” Award visit www.jointheteam.com