Many New Orleans Saints fans already considered Alvin Kamara as the best running back in franchise history. Now, the record book will support that argument, as Kamara is officially the franchise’s all-time leading rusher with 6,509 yards and counting.
The veteran running back entered Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons just 12 yards shy of breaking the record previously held by Mark Ingram (6,500). It didn’t take long for Kamara to gain those 12 yards, picking up 11 yards on his first carry, and seven more a play later.
Now, every yard Kamara gains will only be adding to his history. Additionally, he recently signed a two-year extension, so there will be many more yards added.
On Thursday, Kamara was asked about his inevitable record-breaking moment, and explained that the moment will be cool, but joked that it makes him feel old, because that’s a lot of yards and games. He also joked that it was always the plan to pass up Mark Ingram.
The carry that made history. Alvin Kamara is up to a Saints record 6,509 rushing yards (and still counting) 👑
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 10, 2024
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/cwxS8iItGj
Alvin Kamara passes Mark Ingram as Saints all-time leading rusher
What's special about Kamara passing Ingram, and the two being one and two in franchise history, is that they shared a backfield for many years and are close friends. The duo, known as 'Boom and Zoom,' split carries with each other for four seasons.
Kamara called it a full circle moment, praising Ingram for taking him under his wing and pouring into him when he was a young running back entering the league. He was thankful he had an example like Mark Ingram, and gave Ingram credit for helping him evolve into the player and professional he is today.
Prior to Sunday’s game, Ingram told media members that he’s incredibly proud of Kamara breaking his franchise rushing record, and also glad that his running mate had the opportunity to do it at home against the Falcons.
Mark Ingram, in a call with the media today, said he's incredibly proud of Alvin Kamara for being in a position to break his franchise rushing record this week. He said it sets up nicely to be able to break that at home against the Dirty Birds.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) November 8, 2024
For Kamara, this is the latest accomplishment in a really great career. Since being drafted by the Saints in 2017, he has dominated the NFL. He started his career with an Offensive Rookie of the Year award, and five straight Pro Bowls. The veteran running back has also been Second-Team All-Pro twice.
Already established as one of the greatest running backs of his generation, he’s now the most productive rusher in Saints history. In addition to winning a Super Bowl, there is one more thing for Kamara to accomplish: rushing for 1,000 yards in a single season.
The versatile running back has been well over 1,000 scrimmage yards in all eight of his seasons, but he’s never picked up 1,000 on the ground. He’s currently on pace to do so this season, averaging 73.3 rushing yards a game the most of his career. So passing 1,000 rushing yards could be the next milestone for the Saints’ all-time leading rusher.