The PeyBack Award is presented by the PeyBack Foundation, an organization established by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning to promote the future success of disadvantaged youth by assisting programs that provide leadership, growth and opportunities for children at risk. The award recipient is someone currently or formerly involved in professional football who exhibits character, integrity, honor, and who has given back to the game and society.

“We are pleased to welcome Marshall Faulk back to Indianapolis to present the 2007 PeyBack Award to him,” said Manning. “Marshall truly embodies the spirit of the PeyBack Award through his dedication to serving underprivileged youth.”

Past recipients of the PeyBack Award include All-Pro linebacker Derrick Brooks, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Dan Marino, and Connie Payton, wife of the late Walter Payton.

“I am very excited to be coming back to Indianapolis,” said Faulk. “It is a great honor to be this year’s recipient of Peyton’s PeyBack Award. To be recognized in the same company as Roger Staubach, Dan Marino, Connie Payton and Derrick Brooks is very humbling because of their exceptional charitable accomplishments.”

In 13 years as a running back in the NFL, Faulk accumulated 19,154 combined yards from scrimmage and 136 touchdowns in 176 games for the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams, both fourth-best totals in NFL history. The Colts selected Faulk out of San Diego State with the second overall pick in the 1994 NFL Draft. In his first season, he was named “Offensive Rookie of the Year” and was invited to the Pro Bowl where he earned MVP honors. In 1998, his final season in Indianapolis, Faulk racked up 2,227 yards from scrimmage, breaking the Colts’ single-season record.

After five seasons in Indianapolis, Faulk was traded to the Rams in 1999. In his first Rams campaign, he gained 2,429 yards to break Barry Sanders’ record for total yards from scrimmage in a single season. Faulk became only the second player in NFL history to both receive and rush for more than 1,000 yards in the same season. He also led the Rams to the city’s first Super Bowl Championship.

Faulk’s various recognitions include 2000 NFL Most Valuable Player, NFL “Offensive Player of the Year” for three consecutive seasons, seven Pro Bowl invites, two trips to the Super Bowl in three years and 26 touchdowns in one season (2000). He was also named Co-Sportsman of the Year by the Sporting News Magazine (2000) and received two ESPY Awards for Best NFL Player (2001 and 2002).

Known for being elusive on the playing field, Faulk has been extremely visible in the community. Through the Marshall Faulk Foundation, he continues to enhance the lives of many children in his hometowns of New Orleans, San Diego, Indianapolis and St. Louis. Faulk established the Foundation in 1994 upon entering the league to improve the quality of life and increase opportunities for inner-city youth throughout the country. In a combined effort with the St. Louis Rams, Faulk started the Rams 28 Club in 1999 to provide hope and promise for children living in public housing. Through the Marshall Faulk Foundation and Rams 28 Club, he has influenced the lives of thousands of underprivileged children.

Together with corporate sponsors, various organizations and individual contributors, Faulk’s Foundation has donated more than $850,000 to community organizations supporting more than 10,000 disadvantaged youth in America.

This year’s tournament will take place on Monday, June, 25, at five premier central

Indiana golf courses:
Brickyard Crossing Golf Course
Broadmoor Country Club
Crooked Stick Golf Club
The Hawthorns Golf & Country Club
Meridian Hills Country Club.

For more information on Youthlinks Indiana or to purchase a golf package or Pathfinder