Marc Bulger had the dubious task of replacing Kurt Warner as the starting quarterback for the St. Louis Rams, but it took time—which, given how long it took Warner to land the job, was appropriate.

The New Orleans Saints selected Bulger in the sixth round of the 2000 draft out of West Virginia. He never made the roster there, spent a brief time on the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad, and eventually landed on the St. Louis Rams’ practice squad late in the 2000 season. He re-signed with the Rams in January 2001 and spent that year as the third-string quarterback, inactive for the entire regular season and Super Bowl run. In 2002, after the Rams started 0-5 and both Warner and Jamie Martin went down, Bulger stepped in. He went 6-1 as a starter, completing 64.5 percent of his passes for 1,826 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, and earned team MVP honors.

Mike Martz named him the full-time starter in 2003. Bulger responded by leading the Rams to a 12-4 record and an NFC West title, throwing for 3,845 yards and 22 touchdowns. He earned the first of two Pro Bowl selections that year (the other came in 2006) and was named Pro Bowl MVP. He continued as the starter through the mid-2000s, posting strong seasons in 2004 (3,964 yards) and a career-high 4,301 yards with 24 touchdowns in 2006. After that 2006 campaign, the Rams signed him to a six-year, $65 million extension, making him the highest-paid player in franchise history. Injuries and a declining offensive line took a toll afterward; the team went 6-42 from 2007 to 2009, and Bulger’s efficiency dropped amid heavy sacks and limited protection.

On April 5, 2010—his 33rd birthday—the Rams released him, clearing the way for the selection of Sam Bradford with the first overall pick. Bulger spent 2010 as a backup with the Baltimore Ravens without playing a regular-season snap, then retired in August 2011. 

Over his career, Bulger compiled 22,814 passing yards, 122 touchdowns, 93 interceptions, 62.1 percent completion rate, with an 84.4 passer rating.