Saints legend Mark Ingram II was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame On Saturday night,

A Night to Remember: Mark Ingram II’s Induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

On the evening of May 3, 2025, the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel pulsed with excitement as sports legends, family members, and fans gathered to celebrate the 57th annual induction ceremony of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Among the eight illustrious inductees headlining the Class of 2025 was Saints legend and former Alabama Crimson Tide running back Mark Ingram II. The event marked an emotional and long-awaited recognition of Ingram’s remarkable achievements—from his trailblazing college career to his decade-plus in the NFL—cementing his legacy in the annals of Alabama sports history .

From Hackensack to Tuscaloosa: Early Life and Recruitment

Born on December 21, 1989, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Mark Ingram II’s journey began far from the rolling plains of Alabama. A standout at Plainfield High School, Ingram’s combination of power, speed, and vision earned him national attention. Despite recruitment from powerhouse programs across the country, Ingram chose the University of Alabama, drawn by the opportunity to play for coach Nick Saban and to help revive a storied program .

Crimson Tide Dominance: Collegiate Achievements

Ingram’s impact was immediate. As a freshman in 2008, he rushed for 728 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team. His sophomore season, however, would be historic. Ingram amassed 1,658 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on 271 carries, while also contributing 334 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His performance guided the Crimson Tide to a perfect 14–0 record and a BCS National Championship. Most notably, Ingram became the first player in Alabama history to win the Heisman Trophy, securing 1,977 points and breaking new ground for the program .

Building a Legacy: College Career Totals

Over three seasons (2008–2010), Ingram compiled 3,261 rushing yards and 42 rushing touchdowns, in addition to four receiving touchdowns. His junior year was curtailed by a knee injury, but he still managed 875 yards and 13 scores on the ground. By declaring for the 2011 NFL Draft after his junior campaign, Ingram left Tuscaloosa as a trailblazer whose achievements laid the foundation for the Crimson Tide’s continued dominance under Saban .

Entering the Elite: NFL Journey

Selected 28th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2011 draft, Ingram transitioned seamlessly to the professional ranks. Over a 13-season NFL career—10 with the Saints, two with the Baltimore Ravens, and one with the Houston Texans—Ingram amassed 8,111 rushing yards, 2,125 receiving yards, and a combined 75 total touchdowns. Twice named to the Pro Bowl, he earned a reputation for durability, leadership, and versatility, consistently ranking among the league’s top backs .

Road to the Hall: Nomination and Selection

The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame selection committee evaluates candidates on the basis of athletic excellence, integrity, sportsmanship, and contributions to their sport. Ingram’s combination of collegiate pioneering, professional success, and community engagement as a mentor made him an undeniable choice. He was the first player coached by Nick Saban to receive this honor, symbolizing the passing of a torch to the next generation of Crimson Tide greats .

Ceremony Highlights: Celebrations and Tributes

The induction ceremony was an intimate affair, blending reverence with jubilation. As Ingram’s name was announced, the crowd rose in a standing ovation. His family—wife, children, and extended relatives—occupied a seats of honor as he mounted the stage to receive the bronze plaque. Earlier, the night featured heartfelt tributes from former teammates, coaches, and current Crimson Tide players via video messages. The hall’s director lauded Ingram’s role in elevating Alabama football’s national profile and his unwavering commitment to community outreach .

Mark Ingram’s Acceptance Speech

In his acceptance remarks, Ingram embraced humility and gratitude. “This is a humbling moment,” he began, “not just for me, but for every coach, teammate, and fan who played a part in my journey. From that freshman who took the field in 2008 to the veteran backfield leader in New Orleans, I’ve been blessed with incredible support.” He paid tribute to Nick Saban, his family, and the Alabama fans whose passion fueled his drive. Closing with “Roll Tide” and “God Wins,” he underscored the faith and pride that guided his career .

Fellow 2025 Inductees: A Star-Studded Class

Ingram shared the evening with seven other honorees whose accomplishments span sports and generations:

• Roberta Alison Baumgardner: Women’s tennis pioneer and first scholarship female athlete at Alabama .
• Keith Butler: Memphis State standout and Seattle Seahawks linebacker.
• Otis Davis: Tuscaloosa native and double-gold medalist at the 1960 Rome Olympics.
• Jason Dufner: Auburn golfer and 2013 PGA Championship winner.
• Mike Mitchell: Auburn basketball star and San Antonio Spurs All-Star.
• Charles “Butch” Moore: Birmingham-born MLB player with the Milwaukee Brewers.
• Frank Warren: Auburn defensive lineman renowned for durability in the Saints’ “Dome Patrol” .

Reactions from the Tide Nation and Beyond

Social media erupted with congratulations. The official Alabama football Instagram post garnered thousands of comments celebrating the first Crimson Tide Heisman winner’s long-overdue honor. Fans reminisced about his game-winning runs, while media outlets lauded the selection as a testament to Ingram’s indelible mark on both college and pro football. Ingram’s followers on X (formerly Twitter) echoed the sentiment: “Roll the Tape” and “Well deserved!” were among the trending responses .

Enduring Impact and Future Endeavors

Beyond statistics, Ingram’s legacy includes philanthropic work supporting youth sports programs in Alabama and Louisiana, mentoring aspiring athletes, and his current role as a college football analyst for Fox Sports’ “Big Noon Kickoff.” His induction serves not only as recognition of past triumphs but as an inspiration for future generations to pursue excellence on and off the field .

Philanthropy and Community Impact

Beyond his exploits on the gridiron, Mark Ingram II has made community service a cornerstone of his post-playing career. In 2012, he founded the Mark Ingram Foundation with a mission “empowering youth through sports, mentorship, and leadership development,” with a particular focus on supporting children who have an incarcerated parent . The foundation’s flagship “Creating Legends” clinics—seven-on-seven tournaments and skills camps—have drawn hundreds of young athletes from Alabama, Louisiana, Michigan, and beyond, offering not just football instruction but life skills workshops on everything from conflict resolution to academic goal-setting.

One of the most poignant programs is “Shop with a Saint,” in which Ingram and former New Orleans Saints teammates treat underprivileged children to a holiday shopping spree. A 2013 Sports Illustrated profile described how Ingram welcomed thirty New Orleans-area kids—each with an incarcerated parent—into an Academy Sports + Outdoors store, handing out Ingram-branded jerseys emblazoned with “NEVER GIVE UP, EVER” before they filled carts with sports gear and winter coats . That spirit of inclusion echoes Ingram’s own experiences growing up separated from his father by prison walls, and he views each clinic and school visit as an act of solidarity and hope.

Ingram’s foundation also partners with the NFL Players Association, through which he was named an NFLPA Community MVP. In the summer of 2024, the foundation hosted its inaugural football camp in Flint, Michigan—Ingram’s hometown—and donated uniforms and equipment to multiple local high schools, notably Flint Southwestern and nearby Flint Northwestern . “We need to let these kids know that they’re not alone and you can grow up and live a productive, fulfilled life,” Ingram told the NFLPA, underscoring his belief that hard work and positivity can overcome adversity .

Media Career and Mentorship

Since hanging up his cleats in 2023, Ingram has transitioned into broadcasting, joining Fox Sports as a college football analyst on Big Noon Kickoff. His firsthand insights—rooted in championship experience at Alabama and playoff battles in the NFL—have garnered praise from producers and viewers alike. Ingram frequently dedicates on-air segments to spotlight high school athletes with challenging backgrounds, offering scholarship tips and academic resources. His digital series, “Ingram Insights,” streams weekly interviews with current and former athletes who have overcome obstacles, extending his mentorship to a national audience.

Ingram also leverages social media to amplify his foundation’s work. The foundation’s X (formerly Twitter) handle boasts over 50,000 followers who receive regular updates on grant opportunities, scholarship deadlines, and personal essays from program alumni. By blending sports commentary with messages of resilience, Ingram has cultivated a platform where athletic achievement and social responsibility reinforce each other.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

Mark Ingram II’s induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is far more than a retrospective honor; it heralds the ongoing chapters of his multifaceted legacy. Statistically, he ranks as the Saints’ all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns, but those numbers only tell part of the story. In Tuscaloosa, he shattered precedents as the Crimson Tide’s first Heisman-winning running back, a feat that recalibrated recruiting priorities and inspired subsequent stars like Derrick Henry and Najee Harris to pursue collegiate careers in Alabama crimson.

Looking ahead, Ingram has expressed interest in coaching at the high school or collegiate level, believing that his experiences—on and off the field—could shape a new generation of athletes. He has informally mentored coaching staffs in Birmingham-area youth leagues, advising on strength programs and player psychology. Moreover, Ingram’s advocacy for criminal-justice reform, specifically policies addressing the collateral consequences of incarceration on children, suggests he may someday channel his leadership into legislative or nonprofit sectors.

As the bronze plaque bearing his likeness takes its place alongside Alabama’s pantheon of sports greats, Mark Ingram II stands as a blueprint for athletes seeking to translate on-field glory into enduring social impact. His journey from a tenacious freshman in Tuscaloosa to a community-focused Hall of Famer exemplifies how dedication, humility, and vision can forge a legacy that transcends touchdowns and trophies. Indeed, as Ingram himself often says, “Success is a journey, not a destination”—and for him, the path forward remains as compelling as the one that led to the Hall of Fame.

Conclusion: A Hallmark Moment

Mark Ingram II’s induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame encapsulates a career defined by breaking barriers, consistent excellence, and unwavering character. The ceremony on that Saturday night united fans, athletes, and community leaders in celebration of a hometown hero whose journey from Hackensack to Tuscaloosa to the NFL exemplifies the spirit of Alabama sports. As his bronze plaque takes its place among the legends of the Yellowhammer State, Ingram’s story will continue to resonate with every young athlete dreaming of leaving a lasting legacy.