Chris Faulkner


Christopher Alan Faulkner is an American former college and professional football player who was tight end for two seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Florida. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 1983 NFL Draft, and played for the Los Angeles Rams and San Diego Chargers.

Early years

Faulkner was born in Tipton, Indiana, and attended Hamilton Heights High School in Arcadia, Indiana. He had never played organized football until his senior year, when he was used as a running back and punter.

College career

Faulkner attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where he walked on and was redshirted, before being converted into a tight end and earning a scholarship.
He played for the Florida Gators football team from 1978 to 1982. As a freshman, he was the team's second leading receiver with 22 receptions for 246 yards and 4 touchdown catches.
In 1980, he was named SEC sophomore of the year and All-SEC, after recording 24 receptions for 259 yards and 3 touchdowns, including 9 receptions for 64 yards and 2 touchdowns against Georgia Tech University. He also started 2 games at offensive guard.
As junior, he only played in 6 games because of injuries and finished with a disappointing 6 receptions for 61 yards and one touchdown.
As a senior, he split time with Mike Mularkey, posting 19 receptions for 186 yards. He finished his college career with 71 receptions for 752 yards and eight touchdowns. In the Hula Bowl, he made 5 receptions for 64 yards.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Faulkner was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He was also selected by the Tampa Bay Bandits in the 1983 USFL Territorial Draft. Although he was expected to be a blocking option in the two tight end packages, after having problems with his assignments, the team kept undrafted free agent Cleo Simmons instead and waived Faulkner on August 22.

Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams signed him as a free agent on January 31, 1984, with the intention of moving him to the offensive line, but after experiencing injury problems in the tight end position, the team canceled its original plan. On November 27, the team placed him on the reserve/non-football illness list. He was cut on August 27, 1985.

San Diego Chargers

Faulkner was signed as a free agent by the San Diego Chargers on August 31, 1985, to be the team's third-string tight end while Kellen Winslow recovered from his serious knee injury. He remained on the roster by being able to play different positions, until suffering a season ending knee injury in the ninth game against the Denver Broncos.
During the 1986 training camp he was switched to the defensive line, before being released on August 26.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him as a free agent on October 21, 1986, and waived him two days later.