Miles Burris recorded his first-ever NFL sack on Sunday in the Raiders victory over the Jaguars
LB Russell Allen – Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Oakland Raiders
In a battle of former San Diego State linebackers, Allen’s Jaguars fell to the Raiders and Miles Burris in overtime, 26-23. Allen had four tackles and one fumble recovery in the game.
LB Antwan Applewhite – Carolina Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Panthers were defeated by the Cowboys, 19-14, and Applewhite did not record any tackles. He appeared to tweak his hamstring on the first play of the second half as he limped off the field following the kickoff. He did not return to the game, and his status for next week is uncertain.
LS Aaron Brewer – Denver Broncos, BYE
WR Vincent Brown – San Diego Chargers, BYE
LB Miles Burris – Oakland Raiders vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
In a big overtime victory over the Jaguars, Burris played one of his best games yet. He had 7 total tackles, and recorded the first sack of his NFL career when he took down Jaguars’ quarterback Chad Henne for a loss of 10 yards. Burris is becoming one of the most important players on the Raiders’ defense, as he was on the field for all 63 defensive snaps according to NFL blogger Steve Corkran.
OT/OG Brandyn Dombrowski – San Diego Chargers, BYE
LB Heath Farwell – Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers
Although the Seahawks lost to the 49ers last Thursday, Farwell continues to solidify himself as one of the top special teams tacklers in the league. He had one tackle in the game, and is tied for first in the NFL for special teams tackles with nine. Farwell led the league in special teams tackles in 2011.
RB Ronnie Hillman – Denver Broncos, BYE
QB Ryan Lindley – Arizona Cardinals vs. Minnesota Vikings
With John Skelton starting at quarterback, the Cardinals were defeated by the Vikings, 21-14. Lindley is once again the backup, as Kevin Kolb is expected to miss several weeks after suffering an injury to his ribs and sternum.
OG Lance Louis – Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions
Louis and his fellow offensive lineman had their hands full Monday night with Ndamukong Suh and the rest of the Lions defensive line, but the Bears were able to come away with the win, 13-7. They improved their record to 5-1.
LB Kirk Morrison – Buffalo Bills vs. Tennessee Titans
In a back-and-forth game, the Bills fell to the Titans, 35-34. Morrison was inactive once again, and has yet to play in a game this season. There is still no clear reason as to why he is inactive.
WR Kassim Osgood – Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears
For the second consecutive game, Osgood recorded a tackle on special teams. The Lions struggled as a team, however, and could not find a way to get their offense going in the loss to the Bears.
WR Chaz Schilens – New York Jets vs. New England Patriots
Schilens failed to record a catch for just the second time this season and the Jets were defeated by the Patriots in overtime, 29-26.
Did you miss the “Aztecs in the NFL: Week 6″ post? Check it out here!
Rookie long snapper Aaron Brewer has been solid for the Broncos all season, just like he was in his four seasons (2008-2011) at San Diego State.
LB Russell Allen – Jacksonville Jaguars, BYE
LB Antwan Applewhite – Carolina Panthers, BYE
LS Aaron Brewer – Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers
In the Monday night game, the Broncos scored 35 unanswered points and beat the Chargers, 35-24. Brewer snapped the ball well and was efficient in protection, and continues to prove that the Broncos made the right move by signing him over the pricey veteran snapper they had last season.
WR Vincent Brown – San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos
Brown remains out recovering from a broken ankle suffered in the preseason. In a recent update on Rotoworld, it was reported that Norv Turner said Brown was “right on schedule”. He is eligible to return to practice in Week 7.
LB Miles Burris – Oakland Raiders vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Raiders missed their chance at being the first team to knock off the undefeated Falcons, losing on a last-second field goal, 23-20. Burris had 4 total tackles in the game, including a key stop on the goal line when he prevented running back Michael Turner from scoring. The drive eventually ended with the Falcons settling for a field goal from the 2-yard line. Burris has 18 total tackles this season.
OT/OG Brandyn Dombrowski – San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos
Like Brown, Dombrowski remains on the injured-reserve list with a foot injury. According to an article published by The North County Times, he is expected to return in Week 8.
LB Heath Farwell – Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots
In a match-up that could very well exemplify the current shift of power occurring in the NFL, the up-and-coming Seahawks defeated the perennial powerhouse Patriots, 24-23. Farwell contributed two tackles in the game, giving him a total of seven on the season.
RB Ronnie Hillman – Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers
In a bitter homecoming to his former stomping grounds, Hillman saw limited action in the Chargers loss to the Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. He had just two carries for three yards, but remains the primary backup running back behind Willis McGahee.
QB Ryan Lindley – Arizona Cardinals vs. Buffalo Bills
After starting 4-0, the Cardinals dropped their second straight, falling to the Bills in overtime, 19-16. Quarterback John Skelton was active for the first time since he suffered an ankle injury in Week 1, and entered the game when starter Kevin Kolb was knocked out with a rib injury late in the fourth quarter. With two injury-prone quarterbacks ahead of him, and Skelton struggling in his return (2-10, 45 yards, 1 INT), don’t be surprised if the Cardinals turn to Lindley at some point this season.
OG Lance Louis – Chicago Bears, BYE
LB Kirk Morrison – Buffalo Bills vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Morrison mystery continues, as he was inactive once again for the Bills in their win over the Cardinals. Unfortunately, there is still no clear reason as to why Morrison has yet to play this season.
WR Kassim Osgood – Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles
In another overtime thriller, the Lions defeated the Eagles, 26-23. Osgood, the special teams extraordinaire, had one tackle in the victory.
WR Chaz Schilens – New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts
In a battle of two former Pac-10 (or Pac-12) quarterbacks, Mark Sanchez outdueled Andrew Luck, and the Jets handled the Colts, 35-9. Schilens continued his consistent production, grabbing two catches for 23 yards.
Did you miss the “Aztecs in the NFL: Week 5″ post? Check it out here!
Marshall Faulk scores one of his many touchdowns during his career at SDSU (SDSU Media Relations)
Marshall Faulk: The Aztec For Life
In 2008, a new phrase was introduced to the San Diego State community.
It was far from just another catchy slogan or the latest marketing ploy. The intentions for this phrase were much bigger.
The intentions for this phrase were for it to become a way of life. Three words used to create a new sense of pride for everyone associated with the university.
Aztec for life.
This phrase wasn’t introduced by just anybody. It was introduced by the man who could easily be tabbed as San Diego State’s most famous alumnus; it’s prized possession.
This phrase was introduced by the epitome of an Aztec for life – Marshall Faulk.
The SDSU Alumni Association established the catchy motto in 2008, and Faulk became a key component in its growth and popularity. He sponsored an “Aztec For Life” event that year, and continues to promote the phrase today.
“I take ‘Aztec for life’ very seriously,” Faulk said of the phrase. “Once you come to San Diego State, the memories that you had and everything else you learned stays with you forever. I am proud to be an Aztec and others should be too.”
The confident charisma
When Marshall Faulk talks, you can’t help but listen. With a confident tone and impeccable swagger that captivate the ears and eyes, he lures in the audience with ease.
He knew when he was growing up in a rough New Orleans neighborhood that he had talent. Once he arrived to college, he knew he was going to turn heads and gain exposure, even if it was at little-known San Diego State.
Once he was drafted, he knew he was going to take the NFL by storm, and leave a legacy that would never be forgotten.
And now, he knows he can use his legacy and prosperity to change the lives of thousands of young kids throughout the country.
A legend is born
It didn’t take long for Faulk to make a name for himself at San Diego State.
Whether he used his array of killer juke moves or his top-notch speed, he had an uncanny ability to avoid defenders.
Although he fumbled his first-ever collegiate carry, he immediately bounced back. In just his second collegiate game, he rushed for a jaw-dropping 386 yards and seven touchdowns; both NCAA records for a freshman that still stand today.
“I was just having fun, just playing the game I love,” Faulk said about the wild performance. “I really didn’t realize what I had done until after the game during the interviews.”
This unbelievable performance was just the beginning of a stellar collegiate career, which culminated with Faulk being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts as the second overall pick in the 1994 NFL Draft.
“Being drafted was a dream come true,” Faulk said. “Ever since I was young, all I wanted to do was play football. I put everything I had into it, and that day it truly paid off.”
NFL milestones and memories
Faulk didn’t slow down at all once he arrived to the NFL.
He became a rare breed of running back – one that rarely left the field on offense. Not only did he carry the football, he also caught the ball out of the backfield and blocked in pass protection.
“It’s hard to do what I did,” Faulk said. “It’s not the trend anymore, to have a running back do everything and play every down. You have to be versatile, and you have to really understand the schematics of how the offense works.”
During his 12 NFL seasons, Faulk set records, won awards, and registered incredible stats that exemplified his greatness as a player. When Faulk looks back at his career, however, the individual accolades don’t even come close to the importance of the shiny ring on his finger.
“Winning the Super Bowl was without a doubt my greatest achievement in sports,” Faulk said. “I had to sacrifice a lot because I didn’t carry the football as much. I changed the way I played, but everything I endured was well worth it.”
The Marshall Faulk Foundation
For several years on the football field, Faulk was on the receiving end of things.
He received countless handoffs and passes in games, he received a variety of awards and honors, and most recently, he received an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
After years of receiving, though, Faulk wanted to switch roles. He wanted to focus on giving.
“Once I got to the NFL, I knew right away that I wanted to help and give back,” Faulk said. “I really wanted to help provide for inner-city youth, and give them opportunities that they otherwise wouldn’t have.”
Faulk retired in 2007, and shifted his focus to the Marshall Faulk Foundation, a charitable organization established to help underprivileged children. He established the foundation in 1994, but it wasn’t until he retired that he was able to take it to the next level.
Today, over a million dollars has been provided in financial assistance and hands-on involvement in various programs.
“The charity work has been very special for me,” Faulk said. “I’ve been the kid sitting in those chairs, not knowing or understanding what the future holds. Giving them opportunities and a person that they can identify with brings me joy.”
The “Aztec For Life” returns to San Diego
In 2008, Faulk decided it was time for a change, and he and his staff relocated the foundation to San Diego.
Although they previously worked throughout the country – primarily in New Orleans, Indianapolis, and St. Louis – they shifted their focus to Southern California.
“All the opportunities that I received started in San Diego, and I will always remember my days wearing the red and black,” Faulk said. “I wanted to help the place that helped me the most, so I decided it would be a good place to establish a new home for the charity.”
Over the past few years, Faulk has stayed close with the athletic department at SDSU and never passes up a marketing opportunity to help the school. The “Aztec for life” phrase has carried on since it was first used in 2008, and there is now an annual event known as the Aztec For Life Homecoming Celebration hosted by the Marshall Faulk Foundation.
Former SDSU (2007-2011) quarterback Ryan Lindley, who now plays for the Arizona Cardinals, witnessed first-hand the slogan take its course in creating a new environment around campus.
“The phrase instills pride with everyone associated with the university, and has created an influx of support,” Lindley said. “Whenever I see an another Aztec, I know there is a bond there that is bigger than you find at other universities. I am proud to be an Aztec for life.”
The Marshall Faulk Foundation has also built numerous partnerships within the San Diego community, giving them a chance to help underprivileged children throughout the city.
Michael Brunker, the executive director of the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA in San Diego, is grateful for everything Faulk has done for his organization.
“Thanks to Marshall, we have a great relationship with San Diego State football, and we receive hundreds of tickets to every home game,” Brunker said. “These are great opportunities for the kids, and Marshall’s relationship with us has opened up doors that we couldn’t even imagine. We truly value all that he does.”
The future
What does the future hold for Marshall Faulk?
On top of his charity work, he now works for the NFL Network as an analyst, providing his expertise on current NFL games and storylines. He says he truly enjoys the job, mostly because he misses football and it helps him stay involved with the game.
Faulk also attends Aztec football games as often as possible, and recently became a mentor to former SDSU and now-NFL running back Ronnie Hillman, who has often been compared to Faulk.
In Hillman’s first collegiate game in 2010, he fumbled his first-ever carry.
Watching from the sidelines, Faulk saw what seemed to be a replay of what had happened to him nearly two decades prior, and he knew he had to say something to the young running back.
Moments later, Faulk walked over to Hillman, whispered a few words in his ear, and walked away.
Like Faulk, Hillman bounced back, and scored his first-ever touchdown later in the game. Then, in his best Faulk impersonation, Hillman rushed for 150 yards and four touchdowns against New Mexico State in his second collegiate game.
So what inspirational words did Faulk say to Hillman after the fumble?
When asked about the event, Hillman laughed, and shared the details of the exchange.
“He gave me some good advice and made a good point,” Hillman said with a smile. “He said: ‘The funny thing is, I did the same thing. Now look at me.’ ”
In other words, Hillman had nothing to worry about. That Faulk guy sure turned out alright.
Aztecs For Life | SDSU Blog 