Marshall Williams Faulk was born in New Orleans , Louisiana . Marshall 's parents Cecile and Roosevelt were not rich often argued in daily routine. They got divorced when Marshall was just four years old. His father Roosevelt dies of cancer and Marshall 's mother Cecile looked after him and his 5 brothers. His mother worked hard throughout the day to raise her children. During his schooldays, Marshall was expelled out of three elementary schools for disciplinary problems. But he showed much interest in football and told his mother that he wanted to make it to the NFL. Marshall played football with his brothers and loved to compete against kids who were older and stronger than him. Faulk polished his skills in the game and later started playing at St. Roch School. Coach Harold Sampson gave Marshall him his initial lesson on the game and also told him how to be tricky to have fun out of the game.

Marshall also had interest in basketball and was a great outfielder and a cat-quick guard on the basketball court. He also ran on tracks participating in sprint races. In the fall of 1987 Marshall entered George Washington Carver High School and got the spot of a backup running back in the football team. Faulk coach Wayne Reese saw great talent in him and prepared a special schedule which did not allow time for Marshall to fool around. Marshall Faulk did many odd jobs during his younger years such as cut hair for $5, and served as a fry cook at the K Creole Kitchen on Bourbon Street . He once even sold pop corns and soda at Saints games in the Superdome. Marshall 's football career was disrupted when his mom fell ill before the start of his sophomore year at Carver. But he again made a comeback when her mother insisted to concentrate on his football career. Faulk came up as shinning star during his junior year at Carver. Wayne Reese coached Faulk and used him on offense, including quarterback, tight end, running back, flanker, split end, and kicker. During his last two seasons in Carver Marshall he rushed for 1,800 yards and scored 32 touchdowns. During his senior year, Faulk seized 11 passes, and returned six for touchdowns. During the fall of 1990, college coaches from around the nation were in demand of Marshall . Curtis Johnson of San Diego State asked him to play halfback for the team.