Mark Ingram II, one of the most iconic figures in Alabama Crimson Tide football history, was officially inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame on May 3, 2025, in Birmingham. This honor cements his legacy as a transformative player who not only brought national attention to the University of Alabama but also helped usher in a new era of dominance under head coach Nick Saban.(SI)
Early Life and High School Career
Born on December 21, 1989, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Mark Ingram II is the son of former NFL wide receiver Mark Ingram Sr. He grew up in Flint, Michigan, where he attended Grand Blanc Community High School before transferring to Flint Southwestern Academy for his senior year. A versatile athlete, Ingram excelled in football and track and field. On the football field, he amassed 2,546 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns over his final two high school seasons. Defensively, he recorded 84 tackles and eight interceptions in his senior year. In track, he was a nine-time All-State selection, showcasing his speed with a personal best of 10.69 seconds in the 100-meter dash. His athletic prowess earned him a four-star recruit rating, and he was ranked as the No. 17 high school athlete nationally in 2008. (Wikipedia)
College Career at Alabama
Freshman Season (2008)
Ingram joined the University of Alabama in 2008, playing under head coach Nick Saban. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, rushing for 728 yards and 12 touchdowns on 143 carries. His performance earned him a spot on the All-SEC Freshman Team, signaling the start of a promising collegiate career. (Wikipedia, SI)
Sophomore Season (2009)
The 2009 season was historic for Ingram and the Crimson Tide. He rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns, setting a school record for single-season rushing yards. His standout performances included a career-high 246 rushing yards against South Carolina and three touchdowns in the SEC Championship Game against Florida. Ingram’s efforts were pivotal in Alabama’s 14-0 season, culminating in a BCS National Championship victory over Texas, where he was named Offensive MVP after rushing for 116 yards and two touchdowns. On December 12, 2009, Ingram became the first player in Alabama history to win the Heisman Trophy, edging out Stanford’s Toby Gerhart in the closest vote in the award’s history. (Wikipedia)
Junior Season (2010)
Ingram’s junior year was marred by a knee injury that caused him to miss the first two games of the season. Despite this setback, he managed to rush for 875 yards and 13 touchdowns on 158 carries. He concluded his collegiate career with 3,261 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns, solidifying his place among Alabama’s all-time greats. (Wikipedia)
NFL Career
Ingram declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year and was selected 28th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2011 NFL Draft. Over a 12-season professional career, he played for the Saints, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans. Ingram earned three Pro Bowl selections (2014, 2017, 2019) and became the Saints’ all-time leading rusher with 6,500 yards. He concluded his NFL career with 8,111 rushing yards, 65 rushing touchdowns, 303 receptions, 2,125 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns. (Wikipedia)
Post-Football Endeavors
After retiring from professional football in 2023, Ingram transitioned into broadcasting, joining Fox Sports’ “Big Noon Kickoff” as an on-air personality. His engaging presence and deep understanding of the game have made him a valuable addition to the show’s lineup. Additionally, Ingram became an investor in Major League Soccer’s D.C. United, expanding his influence beyond the football field. (Wikipedia)
Induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
On May 3, 2025, Ingram was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. He headlined a class of eight inductees, which included other notable athletes who made significant contributions to sports in Alabama. Ingram’s induction is particularly noteworthy as he is the first player coached by Nick Saban at Alabama to receive this honor, highlighting his role in the program’s resurgence. (On3, SI)
The ceremony celebrated Ingram’s achievements and his lasting impact on Alabama football. His Heisman Trophy, national championship, and leadership qualities were highlighted as defining aspects of his legacy. Ingram’s induction serves as a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the indelible mark he left on the Crimson Tide program.
Legacy and Impact
Mark Ingram II’s journey from a high school standout in Michigan to a college football legend and NFL star is a story of perseverance, talent, and determination. His achievements at the University of Alabama not only brought individual accolades but also elevated the Crimson Tide’s national profile. As the first Heisman Trophy winner in school history, Ingram set a new standard for excellence and inspired future generations of Alabama players.(Wikipedia)
His induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of his contributions to the sport and the state. Ingram’s legacy continues to influence the game, both through his broadcasting work and his role as a mentor to young athletes. His story exemplifies the values of hard work, resilience, and leadership, making him a true ambassador for Alabama football and the sport as a whole.
