Marc Bulger
Marc Bulger (born April 5, 1977) is a former American football quarterback who played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons, primarily as the starter for the St. Louis Rams from 2002 to 2009.[1] Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bulger attended West Virginia University, where he played college football and set several school passing records before being selected in the sixth round (168th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.[1] He was waived by the Saints during training camp and spent two weeks on the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad before signing with the Rams as a free agent, without playing a game for either team, and served primarily as a backup to Kurt Warner in 2001 but took over as starter for 7 games in 2002 after Warner's injury and started all 15 games in 2003 following Warner's season-ending injury.[1][2] Bulger led the Rams to an 8-8 record and a playoff appearance in 2003 while throwing for 3,845 yards and 22 touchdowns.[1][2] Over his career with the Rams, Bulger appeared in 96 games, completing 62.1% of his passes for 22,814 yards, 122 touchdowns, and 93 interceptions, earning two Pro Bowl selections in 2003 and 2006.[1] In 2006, he had his most prolific season, passing for 4,301 yards and 24 touchdowns with a 62.9% completion percentage.[1][3] He signed a six-year, $65 million contract extension with the Rams in 2007, the richest in franchise history at the time, but injuries limited his play in later years.[3] Bulger briefly signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2010 as a backup but retired later that year without appearing in a regular-season game for the team.[4]Early life and college career
Early life and high school
Marc Bulger was born on April 5, 1977, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to parents Jim and Patty Bulger. His father, a former quarterback at Central Catholic High School and the University of Notre Dame from 1970 to 1973, instilled a strong athletic foundation in the family, while his mother, Patty (née Fralic), came from an athletic lineage as the cousin of NFL Pro Bowl guard Bill Fralic. Bulger grew up in a competitive household in Pittsburgh's working-class environment, which emphasized discipline, hard work, and resilience—qualities that shaped his development as an athlete. He has an older sister, Katie, and a younger sister, Meggie, both of whom became standout basketball players at West Virginia University, continuing the family's athletic legacy.[5] Bulger attended Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, graduating in 1995 after enrolling in 1991. Initially focused on basketball, which honed his court vision and quick decision-making, he transitioned to football as a quarterback during his senior year, forgoing his junior season to concentrate on the sport. In that senior campaign, he threw for over 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns, earning All-State honors and establishing himself as one of the top passers in Pennsylvania. Under his leadership, the Vikings captured the 1994 City League championship, showcasing his poise and arm strength in a program known for producing NFL talent like Dan Marino. Despite interest from his hometown University of Pittsburgh, Bulger received no scholarship offer from the Panthers, prompting him to accept a full scholarship from West Virginia University, where he continued his football career.West Virginia Mountaineers
Bulger arrived at West Virginia University in 1995 as a highly touted quarterback recruit from Pittsburgh's Central Catholic High School, where he had earned All-State honors, but redshirted his freshman year to develop further.[5] He began his playing career in 1996 as the backup to starter Chad Johnston, seeing limited action in six games while completing 19 of 42 passes for 352 yards and three touchdowns, contributing to the Mountaineers' 8-4 overall record and Gator Bowl appearance.[6][7] Bulger emerged as the full-time starter in 1997, guiding West Virginia to a 7-5 record and a berth in the Carquest Bowl, where he threw for 2,465 yards and 14 touchdowns over 12 games, showcasing improved command of the offense under head coach Don Nehlen.[6][8] In 1998, his junior season, Bulger elevated his performance, passing for a school-record 3,607 yards and 31 touchdowns while leading the team to an 8-4 mark and an Insight.com Bowl invitation; he earned second-team All-Big East honors for his efforts, including a key 35-28 upset victory over No. 15 Syracuse, where he completed 15 of 31 passes for 257 yards and one score.[9][6][10][11] As a senior in 1999, Bulger battled a thumb injury that sidelined him for several games, yet he returned strong to throw for 1,729 yards and 11 touchdowns across eight appearances, earning second-team All-Big East recognition again despite the team's 5-6 finish.[12][6][13] Over his four-year career, Bulger appeared in 38 games with 32 starts, setting West Virginia records with 630 completions for 8,153 yards and 59 touchdown passes—marks that underscored his reputation for precise accuracy (59.9% completion rate) and smart decision-making in high-pressure situations.[14][9] He also rushed for 142 yards and two scores, adding a dual-threat element to the Mountaineer attack. Academically, Bulger graduated in 2000 with a degree in sports management.[5]College statistics
Bulger appeared in 38 games over four seasons at West Virginia, compiling notable passing production while contributing minimally on the ground as a typical pocket passer.[14]Passing Statistics
| Year | Class | GP | Comp/Att | Yds | TD | INT | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Fr | 6 | 19/42 | 352 | 3 | 1 | 134.4 |
| 1997 | So | 12 | 192/323 | 2,465 | 14 | 10 | 131.7 |
| 1998 | Jr | 12 | 274/419 | 3,607 | 31 | 10 | 157.3 |
| 1999 | Sr | 8 | 145/239 | 1,729 | 11 | 13 | 125.7 |
| Career | 38 | 630/1,023 | 8,153 | 59 | 34 | 140.9 |
Rushing Statistics
| Year | Class | GP | Car | Yds | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Fr | 6 | 3 | -17 | 0 |
| 1997 | So | 12 | 52 | -93 | 2 |
| 1998 | Jr | 12 | 33 | -92 | 0 |
| 1999 | Sr | 8 | 19 | -124 | 0 |
| Career | 38 | 107 | -326 | 2 |
Professional career
New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons
Bulger was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round (168th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft out of West Virginia University.[1] He signed a rookie contract with the Saints on April 17, 2000, and participated in training camp and preseason games, completing 14 of 28 passes for 124 yards.[1] Despite showing promise in limited action, Bulger was released by the Saints on September 3, 2000, prior to the regular season, and did not appear in any regular-season games with the team.[1] The day after his release, Bulger signed to the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad on September 4, 2000.[1] He remained there through the end of the season without being elevated to the active roster or seeing game action.[18] On the practice squad, Bulger gained valuable exposure to NFL operations, including film study and practice repetitions against a defense preparing for veteran starter Chris Chandler, who led the Falcons to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth that year.[19] This brief stint across two teams marked the beginning of Bulger's journeyman phase, fostering resilience amid the instability of roster cuts and practice squad life as he adapted to professional demands.[18] Bulger was signed to the St. Louis Rams' practice squad late in the 2000 season.St. Louis Rams
Bulger joined the St. Louis Rams in late 2000, initially serving on the practice squad before earning a spot on the active roster in 2001 as a backup. In March 2002, he signed a one-year contract extension worth $375,000 to remain as the third-string quarterback behind starter Kurt Warner and backup Jamie Martin.[20] The Rams began the 2002 season 0-5 amid injuries and struggles, but Warner suffered a broken hand in Week 9 against the San Francisco 49ers, prompting Bulger to take over as starter for the final seven games. He went 6-1 in those starts, completing 138 of 214 passes for 1,826 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, helping the team finish 7-9 overall and injecting stability into the offense following the decline of the "Greatest Show on Turf" era.[1][21] Bulger secured the full-time starting role in 2003, leading the Rams to a 12-4 record and the NFC West title with 336 completions on 532 attempts for 3,845 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions across 15 starts. His performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection, where he threw a record four touchdown passes and was named MVP. The Rams advanced to the playoffs but lost in the wild-card round to the Carolina Panthers. In 2004, Bulger continued his ascent, starting 14 games and throwing for 3,964 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions while earning NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors in October for his efficient play during a four-game win streak. The Rams finished 8-8 and secured a wild-card berth, defeating the Seattle Seahawks in the first round before falling to the Atlanta Falcons in the divisional playoff. These seasons marked the peak of Bulger's career, revitalizing a franchise transitioning from its Super Bowl dominance.[1][22][23][24] Injuries began to hinder Bulger in 2005, when a sprained right shoulder limited him to 9 starts; he passed for 2,297 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions as the Rams ended 4-12. He rebounded strongly in 2006, starting all 16 games and leading the NFL with 4,301 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions, earning his second Pro Bowl nod. The Rams posted an 8-8 record but missed the playoffs amid defensive woes.[1][25] Bulger's tenure declined amid persistent injuries and team struggles from 2007 onward. Injuries, including a broken thumb and toe, affected his play in 2007, when he started 12 games with 2,392 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in a 3-13 season. Following the 2007 season, Bulger signed a six-year, $65 million extension, the richest deal for a quarterback at the time, but injuries limited his play in later years.[1][3] In 2008, he started 15 games but managed only 2,720 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions as the Rams went 2-14, hampered by a porous offensive line. The 2009 campaign was even more limited, with Bulger starting eight games for 1,469 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions before injuries to his shoulder and a broken left shin bone ended his season; the team finished 1-15. Released by the Rams in March 2010 after nine seasons, Bulger left as the franchise's all-time leader in passing yards with 22,814, completions (1,969), and touchdowns (122), having started 95 of 96 games and guided the team to two playoff appearances and two Pro Bowl honors during a transitional era.[1][26][27][28]Baltimore Ravens
After being released by the St. Louis Rams in March 2010 due to lingering injuries, Marc Bulger signed a one-year, $3.8 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens on June 23, 2010, to serve as the primary backup to starting quarterback Joe Flacco.[29][30] Throughout the 2010 regular season, Bulger did not see any action, remaining inactive for all 16 games as the Ravens finished with a 12-4 record and won the AFC North division title.[31][32] In this role, he primarily mentored Flacco and provided veteran leadership in the quarterback room, while also participating in preseason games where he completed several touchdown drives.[33][34] Bulger was also inactive for the Ravens' postseason, during which Baltimore defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild card round but lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-24 in the divisional playoff game.[32] Following the season, the Ravens did not re-sign Bulger, who became a free agent and subsequently retired from the NFL, marking the end of his playing career.[31]Retirement
Bulger announced his retirement from professional football on August 3, 2011, at the age of 34, opting out of several offers from NFL teams for the upcoming season.[35] Over 10 seasons in the league, primarily with the St. Louis Rams, he amassed 22,814 passing yards, 122 touchdown passes, and 93 interceptions while starting 95 games.[1] His decision came after a career marked by the physical toll of accumulated injuries sustained during his time with the Rams, including a fractured knee in 2009 and earlier issues with his shoulder and other ailments.[36] In reflecting on his career, Bulger expressed deep gratitude to the Rams organization, particularly crediting head coach Mike Martz for giving him the opportunity to become a starting quarterback in the NFL.[35] He also thanked his former teammates, coaches, and family for their support throughout his professional journey.[37] Bulger indicated no immediate interest in pursuing coaching, instead prioritizing time with his family and focusing on recovery from the wear and tear of his playing days. Following his retirement, Bulger relocated to the Nashville area in Middle Tennessee, where he began transitioning to life away from the gridiron.[38]Career statistics and accomplishments
Passing and rushing statistics
Bulger's NFL regular-season passing statistics reflect his tenure primarily as the starting quarterback for the St. Louis Rams from 2002 to 2009, where he demonstrated a strong arm and pocket presence, though often under challenging team conditions.[1] His performance peaked in volume and efficiency during the mid-2000s, with a notable season in 2006 where he threw for over 4,000 yards.[1] The following table summarizes Bulger's year-by-year regular-season passing statistics:| Year | Team | Games | Starts | Completions | Attempts | Yards | TDs | INTs | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | STL | 7 | 7 | 138 | 214 | 1,826 | 14 | 6 | 101.5 |
| 2003 | STL | 15 | 15 | 336 | 532 | 3,845 | 22 | 22 | 81.4 |
| 2004 | STL | 14 | 14 | 321 | 485 | 3,964 | 21 | 14 | 93.7 |
| 2005 | STL | 8 | 8 | 192 | 287 | 2,297 | 14 | 9 | 94.4 |
| 2006 | STL | 16 | 16 | 370 | 588 | 4,301 | 24 | 8 | 92.9 |
| 2007 | STL | 12 | 12 | 221 | 378 | 2,392 | 11 | 15 | 70.3 |
| 2008 | STL | 15 | 15 | 251 | 440 | 2,720 | 11 | 13 | 71.4 |
| 2009 | STL | 9 | 8 | 140 | 247 | 1,469 | 5 | 6 | 70.7 |
| Career | 96 | 95 | 1,969 | 3,171 | 22,814 | 122 | 93 | 84.4 |
| Year | Team | Carries | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | STL | 12 | -13 | 1 |
| 2003 | STL | 29 | 75 | 4 |
| 2004 | STL | 19 | 89 | 3 |
| 2005 | STL | 9 | 29 | 0 |
| 2006 | STL | 18 | 44 | 0 |
| 2007 | STL | 9 | 13 | 0 |
| 2008 | STL | 14 | 41 | 0 |
| 2009 | STL | 8 | 22 | 0 |
| Career | 118 | 300 | 8 |
Playoff statistics
Bulger appeared in three playoff games with the St. Louis Rams, posting a 1–2 record across the 2003 and 2004 seasons.[40] His postseason starts resulted in losses in the 2003 NFC Wild Card Round against the Carolina Panthers and the 2004 NFC Divisional Round against the Atlanta Falcons, with a win in the 2004 NFC Wild Card Round over the Seattle Seahawks.[40]Passing Statistics
| Date | Opponent | Result | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-01-10 | vs. CAR | L 23–29 | 27/46 | 332 | 0 | 3 | 53.9 |
| 2005-01-08 | @ SEA | W 27–20 | 18/32 | 313 | 2 | 1 | 97.5 |
| 2005-01-15 | @ ATL | L 17–47 | 23/35 | 299 | 2 | 1 | 99.6 |
| Total | 1–2 | 68/113 | 944 | 4 | 5 | 80.4 |