Mark Valentino Ingram II (born December 21, 1989) is a former American professional football running back and current on-air personality for Fox Sports. Over a 12-season NFL career, Ingram played for the New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans. A standout at the University of Alabama, he became the first Crimson Tide player to win the Heisman Trophy, rushing for 1,658 yards in 2009 and helping Alabama secure the 2010 BCS National Championship.
Drafted 28th overall in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Saints, Ingram became the franchise’s all-time leading rusher and earned three Pro Bowl selections. Renowned for his power running and versatility, he was a key offensive weapon throughout his NFL career.
Quick Facts of Mark Ingram II
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mark Valentino Ingram II |
| Date of Birth | December 21, 1989 |
| Birthplace | Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 215 lb (98 kg) |
| High School | Flint Southwestern Academy, Grand Blanc Community High School |
| College | Alabama (2008–2010) |
| NFL Draft | 2011, 1st round, 28th overall |
| NFL Teams | New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans |
| Career Rushing Yards | 8,111 |
| Career Rushing TDs | 65 |
| Receptions | 303 |
| Receiving Yards | 2,125 |
| Receiving TDs | 10 |
| Awards | Heisman Trophy (2009), 3× Pro Bowl, BCS National Champion (2010) |
Early Life
Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, Ingram is the son of former New York Giants wide receiver Mark Ingram Sr. He attended Grand Blanc Community High School and Flint Southwestern Academy in Michigan. A multi-sport athlete, Ingram excelled in football and track, running sprints and competing in the long jump. In football, he totaled 2,546 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns in his final two high school seasons, earning All-State honors and Saginaw Valley MVP recognition.
College Career – Alabama Crimson Tide
2008 Season
Ingram debuted for Alabama behind Glen Coffee, rushing for 728 yards and 12 touchdowns, setting a school freshman record. He earned SEC All-Freshman Team honors.
2009 Season
Ingram’s sophomore season was historic. He rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding 334 receiving yards with three touchdowns. Highlights included a career-high 246-yard game against South Carolina and 113 rushing yards with three touchdowns in the SEC Championship against Florida. Ingram won the Heisman Trophy, becoming Alabama’s first recipient, and was a unanimous All-American. He also led Alabama to a BCS National Championship victory over Texas, earning Offensive MVP honors.
2010 Season
Ingram finished his junior year with 875 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 282 receiving yards. He declared for the 2011 NFL Draft, foregoing his senior season.
NFL Career
New Orleans Saints (2011–2018)
Drafted 28th overall by the Saints, Ingram honored his draft number by wearing #28. He quickly became a key back, finishing his rookie season with 474 rushing yards and five touchdowns despite injuries. He earned Pro Bowl selections in 2014, 2017, and 2019, and became the Saints’ all-time leading rusher, surpassing Deuce McAllister. In 2018, he served a four-game suspension for a PED violation but returned to help the Saints to the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens (2019–2020)
Ingram signed a three-year, $15 million deal with Baltimore. In 2019, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and earned his third Pro Bowl nomination. Limited by injuries and the emergence of younger backs, his 2020 season saw reduced playing time.
Houston Texans (2021)
Ingram joined the Texans on a one-year deal, contributing as a veteran presence in the backfield.
New Orleans Saints – Second Stint (2021–2022)
Traded back to New Orleans, Ingram became the franchise’s all-time leading rusher in 2021. Injuries limited his 2022 season, and he appeared in just ten games.
Broadcasting Career
After retiring from football in July 2023, Ingram joined Fox Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff as an analyst. He brings first-hand NFL experience and insights into college football and professional play, connecting with audiences as both a former player and commentator.
Legacy and Awards
- Heisman Trophy Winner (2009)
- BCS National Champion (2010)
- SEC Male Athlete of the Year (2010)
- 3× Pro Bowl Selection (2014, 2017, 2019)
- New Orleans Saints All-Time Leading Rusher
- Unanimous All-American (2009)
Mark Ingram II’s football journey, from Alabama standout to NFL star and media analyst, cements his place among the elite running backs of his generation. His versatility, resilience, and football IQ have left a lasting mark on every team he played for and now on football audiences as a broadcaster.
