The 34-year-old running back says his health is everything and he didn't want to return if he couldn't get through a full season.

A three-time offensive player of the year, Faulk leaves the game ninth on the N-F-L's career rushing list with 19-thousand-154 yards. His six-thousand-875 receiving yards are the most ever among running backs.

Faulk won a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams after the 1999 season.

He starred at San Diego State before being drafted second overall by Indianapolis in 1994. He was the N-F-L's offensive rookie of the year with the Colts before being traded to St. Louis in 1999.

Faulk spent last season as studio host for the N-F-L Network.