6 Key Players That Have Made the St Louis Rams "Ram-Tough" By Rick Grantham At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

The St. Louis Rams have recently won the Super Bowl. However, several players have played outstandingly during the franchise's history.

Sometimes success comes sooner, rather than later. After playing in Los Angeles from 1946-1994, the NFL's Rams moved to St. Louis. Within half a decade, the Rams had earned their franchise's first Super Bowl, by defeating the Tennessee Titans, 23-16! While most of today's Rams fans know the names Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk, you might be unfamiliar with all of the players whose jersey numbers the Rams have already retired:

1. #7 Bob Waterfield (Quarterback): 1945-1952

Waterfield played for the Rams while they were located in both Cleveland and Los Angeles. In 1945, he became the first rookie to win the NFL MVP. Additionally, the league selected Waterfield for two Pro Bowls, and to the NFL 1940s All-Decade team. Waterfield also played as a punter and place kicker!

2. #28 Marshall Faulk (Running Back): 1999-2005

In 1994, Faulk was the #2 overall pick in the NFL draft. He became successful in the NFL, as a powerful and speedy rusher. During his NFL career, Faulk ran 12,279 yards (4.3 yards-per-carry average), and scored 136 total rushing and catching touchdowns. The NFL selected Faulk to seven Pro Bowls.

3. #29 Eric Dickerson (Running Back): 1983-1987

During his senior year at Southern Methodist University, Dickerson finished third in Heisman Trophy balloting. He then had a stellar career in the NFL, from 1983-1993. Dickerson's career statistics are impressive: 13,259 yards rushing, 2,137 reception yards, and 96 touchdowns. The NFL chose Dickerson for five Pro Bowl teams.

4. #74 Merlin Olsen (Defensive Tackle): 1962-1976

Before he was a spokesperson for a flower company, Olsen delivered bone-crushing tackles to his opponents. Olsen played all 208 of his NFL games, with the Los Angeles Rams. He became part of the Rams' defensive line, whose nickname was "The Fearsome Foursome." The NFL selected Olsen to an astounding 14 Pro Bowls.

5. #78 Jackie Slater (Offensive Tackle): 1976-1995

Slater played for both the Los Angeles and St. Louis Rams. Both Slater and Darrel Green of the Washington Redskins hold the NFL's record for the most seasons with a single team (20). In addition, the league selected Slater to seven Pro Bowls. The NFL also chose him four times as the NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year.

6. #85 Jack Youngblood (Defensive End): 1971-1984

Youngblood once stated that "...if you want to do a job bad enough, you'll find a way to get it done." Indeed, Youngblood "got it done." His NFL accomplishments include:

• 7 Pro Bowl games
• 6 All-Pro teams
• 1970s NFL All-Decade team
• 3 Rams MVP
• 1975 NFL Defensive Lineman of the Year
• Pro/College Football Hall of Fame

Youngblood also holds the Rams team cored for the most consecutive games (201). In fact, in 14 years in the NFL, he only missed a single game!

Indeed, the Rams have recently achieved their greatest success in the NFL. However, several players have played outstandingly, throughout the franchise's history. Use St. Louis Rams merchandise to cheer on the team to another Super Bowl victory!

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