Rams will retire Faulk's No. 28 tonight

~ The future Hall of Fame running back will be honored at halftime of tonight's game.

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams will retire Marshall Faulk's No. 28 jersey at halftime of tonight's game against Pittsburgh. But Faulk said Wednesday he might have given up the jersey much earlier if the outcome of Super Bowl 36 had been different.

Faulk arrived in St. Louis in a trade from Indianapolis in 1999 and led the Rams to their only Super Bowl championship that same season, a 23-16 win over Tennessee.

Two years later, the Rams were heavy favorites against New England, but lost 20-17 on a last-second field goal.

After the loss, Faulk decided to stick around hoping to get to one more Super Bowl. It never happened.

"I think if we had won the Super Bowl in 2001, I would have retired that year," Faulk said at a news conference. "We didn't and I felt like we still had it, so I came back. I was prepared to retire way before I did. All the time beyond then was bonus time for me."

Sportscaster Bob Costas will preside over halftime ceremonies as the Rams (3-11) host the Steelers (9-5). A video tribute is planned.

Faulk announced his retirement in March, though he last played in 2005. He missed all of last season with a knee injury.

Faulk, now an analyst for the NFL Network, was given a key to the city Wednesday. He called the retiring of his jersey a "very special occasion."

"You think about winning the Super Bowl or scoring touchdowns but to get your number retired, it's an honor you don't even think about," he said.

Faulk won the NFL MVP award in 2000 and was offensive player of the year in 1999, 2000 and 2001. He's fourth all-time in combined yards from scrimmage with 19,154. His 6,875 receiving yards are the most ever for a running back. He's ninth on the all-time rushing list.

In St. Louis, Faulk was part of "The Greatest Show on Turf" with quarterback Kurt Warner and receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt.

Bruce and Holt are still with the Rams and will be on hand for the ceremony.

"We had a bunch of great guys here who wanted to win and have fun," Faulk said. "When I reflect on things here, it's always good."

Noteworthy

• Defensive end Leonard Little said November surgery for a torn foot ligament was successful and he should be able to start jogging by early February.
• Fullback Brian Leonard took a knee to the head in Sunday's loss to Green Bay and is questionable for tonight's game. Leonard said he is fine and expects to play.
• Coach Scott Linehan said returner Brandon Williams (ankle) likely will be back for the Steelers game after missing the last two games.