New England Patriots' Kevin Faulk Will Make a Run at His 14th NFL Season

After being listed as a game-day inactive in the New England Patriots' Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants, running back Kevin Faulk has decided to not retire from the NFL, according to Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com. 

"I am training to come back to play," Faulk said during a visit to Hasbro Children's Hospital. "But it's not up to me. It's up to the team and everything, but I am planning on coming back to play, so we'll see what happens." 

The 13-year veteran is willing to give it another go around. However, the Patriots may not have an open spot for their all-purpose yards leader. New England's roster currently holds promise at the halfback position with second-year men Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, plus folk hero Danny Woodhead.

At 35 years old, Faulk is no spring chicken, but he remains a serviceable third-down back who puts the team first. Unfortunately, Vereen and Woodhead have similar skill sets as change-of-pace backs.

"I'm hoping, I'm just praying a phone call will come," said Faulk. "But it's not up to me to contact them." 

Faulk has played in 161 regular-season games for the Pats, on his way to accumulating 7,308 yards from scrimmage.

Last season, Faulk played in seven games after starting the season on the physically unable to perform list. In limited action, the versatile back rushed for 57 yards while also catching seven passes for 34 yards.

Faulk told reporters that he has no intentions of playing anywhere other than for New England. He acknowledges that head coach Bill Belichick may not invite him back for another season, but that won't stop the LSU product from trying to return.

"If it doesn't come, it doesn't come. I'm content with it," said Faulk.

Regardless of whether he gets a phone call or not, Kevin Faulk will go down as a loyal, iconic Patriot who helped the team win its three Super Bowls in the early 2000s.

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