New Orleans athletes often say, if you love New Orleans, it’ll love you back. Understanding that sentiment explains the love the city has for New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara. Kamara holds a special place in the hearts of Saints fans, because they hold a special place in his heart.
The running back recently signed a two-year extension with the Saints, setting him up to end his career in New Orleans. Speaking with the media, Kamara made it clear that was always the only outcome, because his love for New Orleans wouldn’t allow him to play anywhere else.
"This city has been loyal to me. This organization has been loyal to me. I don't feel like I would get this same feeling I get putting on the Fleur de Lis anywhere else," - Alvin Kamara pic.twitter.com/5PbquZ2Vus
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 23, 2024
Alvin Kamara express his love for New Orleans after signing extension with Saints
Playing in his eighth season with the Saints, Kamara waxed poetic about his love for the franchise, the fans, and the city. The way he talks about New Orleans is how every fan base would love for their star players to talk about their respective cities.
Kamara admitted he could’ve waited and entered free agency after the season, but he knew that wouldn’t make any sense, because New Orleans is where he wants to be. He said he doesn’t think his flame would burn the same if he was playing in another city for another team.
"It wouldn't make sense for me to leave this city or this organization," - AK pic.twitter.com/S32obx4f53
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 23, 2024
He went on to say that he and New Orleans are one in the same, intertwined now, joking that if he put on another uniform, his real self would peel itself out similar to Marvel’s Venom character.
Kamara said being able to play his entire career with one franchise is the icing on the cake of what has been a great career, so he’s thankful the organization gave him the extension.
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else,"
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 23, 2024
- AK #Saints pic.twitter.com/NxTottVHJg
This isn’t just a player talking with the excitement of having a new deal, this is consistent with how Kamara has spoke about New Orleans all throughout his career. Even when the Saints refused to extend him this offseason, he doubled down on his commitment to he team, saying he wants to retire a Saint.
He now has the chance to do that, and he’ll likely do so as the most productive running back in franchise history. Kamara is just 234 yards away from surpassing Mark Ingram for the most rushing yards in franchise history, and he already has several other accolades to his name.
He’s already solidified as a Saints legend, and he’ll forever be good in New Orleans.