Mark Ingram: From College Star to NFL Veteran
Mark Ingram is a name synonymous with success, both at the collegiate and professional levels of American football. This article delves into the impressive college career of Mark Ingram II, highlighting his achievements and statistics, while also providing context through the story of his father, Mark Ingram Sr., and Mark Ingram II's subsequent NFL journey.
Mark Ingram Sr.: A Legacy Forged in the NFL
Mark Valentino Ingram Sr. (born August 23, 1965) carved out a notable career as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). His journey began after a high school career at Flint Northwestern High School in Flint, Michigan, where he played quarterback alongside Andre Rison at halfback. He then played college football at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Ingram Sr. was drafted by the Giants in the first round (28th overall) in the 1987 NFL draft.
Ingram Sr.'s NFL career spanned from 1987 to 1996, during which he played for several teams, including the New York Giants (1987-1992), Miami Dolphins (1993-1994), Green Bay Packers (1995), and Philadelphia Eagles (1996). A defining moment of his career came in Super Bowl XXV, where, as a Giant, he made a crucial third-down conversion, eluding multiple Buffalo Bills defenders to sustain a touchdown drive. He finished the game as the Giants' leading receiver, with five catches for 77 yards. Another highlight was a game as a Miami Dolphin against the New York Jets, where he caught four touchdown passes from Dan Marino, including a game-winning play where Marino faked a spike.
Mark Ingram II: Early Life and High School Career
Mark Valentino Ingram II (born December 21, 1989), son of Mark Ingram Sr., followed in his father's footsteps, making his own mark in the world of football. Ingram II attended Grand Blanc Community High School in Grand Blanc, Michigan, for his freshman, sophomore, and junior years before transferring to Flint Southwestern Academy in Flint, Michigan, for his senior year. He quickly established himself as a standout player. As a four-year starter, he amassed 2,546 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns in his final two seasons, earning accolades such as Saginaw Valley MVP, Area Player of the Year, and All-State selection as a senior. Ingram also excelled in track and field, earning nine All-State selections. Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Ingram was highly sought after by college programs.
College Career at Alabama: A Heisman-Winning Legacy
Ingram chose to play college football at the University of Alabama, where he continued to build his impressive resume.
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2008 Season: Freshman Year
As a freshman in 2008, Ingram played behind Glen Coffee but still managed to make a significant impact. He was selected to the 2008 SEC All-Freshman Team. He made his collegiate debut in the season opener against Clemson. He contributed to the team's success throughout the season.
2009 Season: Sophomore Year and Heisman Trophy
Ingram's sophomore season in 2009 was nothing short of spectacular. After a 3-0 start, Alabama faced the Arkansas Razorbacks. Ingram led the Alabama offense, overcoming a 20-7 third-quarter deficit to secure a 24-20 lead. He capped a 12-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run, finishing the game with 157 yards on 21 attempts and two touchdowns. On December 12, Ingram won the Heisman Trophy in the closest vote in the award's 75-year history. Ingram became the first Alabama player to win the Heisman Trophy. He rushed for 1,542 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 30 passes for 322 yards and three scores, helping Alabama achieve an undefeated season and their first SEC title since 1999. Ingram's outstanding performance earned him numerous accolades, including the Heisman Trophy, making him the first Alabama player to receive the honor. He was also named to the Associated Press All-America Team and the AFCA FBS Coaches' All-America Team. Ingram helped lead the Crimson Tide to a national title, defeating Texas in the BCS Championship.
2010 Season: Junior Year
Ingram's junior year in 2010 was marked by both success and challenges. He missed the season opener due to a knee injury. In his season debut against Duke, he ran for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Against Arkansas, Ingram finished with 157 yards on 21 attempts and two touchdowns, contributing to a comeback victory. Although he didn't consistently break 100 yards during the regular season, his contributions were crucial to the team's performance. He played in the Capital One Bowl against Michigan State.
College Statistics
| Year | Games | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 728 | 12 | |||||
| 2009 | 1,542 | 15 | 30 | 322 | 3 | ||
| 2010 | |||||||
| Total |
NFL Career
2011 NFL Draft
The New Orleans Saints selected Ingram in the first round with the 28th pick in the 2011 NFL draft-the same pick number the Giants used to draft his father, Mark Ingram Sr., twenty-four years earlier, at the same age. Ingram was the first running back drafted in 2011. The Saints acquired the pick from the New England Patriots, trading their second-round selection (#56 overall) and their first-round selection in 2012 to do so.
New Orleans Saints (2011-2018)
On July 28, 2011, Ingram decided on the number #28 in honor of his and his father's draft pick number. On August 12, 2011, Ingram scored his first career touchdown as a Saint on a 14-yard run in a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. On September 25, Ingram scored his first touchdown in regular season play as a Saint on a tough 13-yard run against the Houston Texans. Ingram was the Saints' leading rusher for the 2012 season, sharing the backfield with Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles, and Chris Ivory. After wearing the #28 jersey for two seasons, Ingram changed to number 22, the number he wore at Alabama, before the beginning of the 2013 season. In the next game, a 49-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys, he had a career day with 145 rushing yards and a touchdown. Ingram began the 2017 season sharing carries with former Vikings star Adrian Peterson and rookie Alvin Kamara, but became the team's first-option rusher in Week 3. In Week 10, he led the NFL with 131 rushing yards and his first career game with three touchdowns in an emphatic 47-10 victory over Buffalo, moving him into a three-way tie for the league lead in rushing touchdowns at seven with Ezekiel Elliott and Todd Gurley. In Week 11, he again led the NFL with 134 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 11 carries in a 34-31 overtime win over Washington, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week. On December 19, 2017, Ingram was named to his second Pro Bowl alongside Kamara, becoming the first ever pair of running backs from the same team to earn the honors. He finished the regular season with career-highs of 1,124 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, 58 receptions, and 416 receiving yards. Ingram and Kamara became the first running back duo in NFL history to each have over 1,500 scrimmage yards in the same season. The Saints won the NFC South in the 2017 season.
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Baltimore Ravens (2019-2020)
On March 13, 2019, Ingram signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens. In Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, Ingram rushed 14 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns as the Ravens won 59-10. In Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Ingram rushed 16 times for 103 yards and three touchdowns as the Ravens lost 33-28. In Week 9 against the New England Patriots, Ingram rushed 15 times for 115 yards and caught two passes for 29 yards in the 37-20 win. In Week 11 against the Houston Texans, Ingram rushed 13 times for 48 yards and caught three passes for 37 yards and two touchdowns in the 41-7 win. In Week 12 against the Los Angeles Rams, Ingram rushed 15 times for 111 yards and a touchdown and caught one pass for a seven-yard touchdown in the 45-6 win. In Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns, Ingram rushed eight times for 55 yards and caught two passes for 36 yards and a touchdown before exiting the game due to a calf injury. In Week 2 against the Houston Texans, Ingram rushed nine times for 55 yards and his first rushing touchdown of the season during the 33-16 win.
Return to the Saints (2021-2022)
Despite this, his playing time became increasingly limited behind rookie J. K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill. On October 31, 2022, it was announced that Ingram would miss 3-4 weeks after suffering a grade 2 MCL sprain against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8. He was placed on injured reserve on December 14. In the 2022 season, Ingram appeared in ten games and started three.
D.C. Defenders (2023)
On June 4, 2021, it was reported that Ingram joined D.C. Defenders.
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