American · New Orleans, USA · Born 25 July 1990American running back who became one of the NFL's most versatile offensive weapons, known for his receiving ability and explosive plays from scrimmage.
Born in Norcross, Georgia, Alvin Mentian Kamara developed his athletic prowess at Norcross High School before transferring to Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. He later transferred to the University of Tennessee, where he played for the Volunteers from 2015 to 2016. Despite limited carries in college due to Tennessee's crowded backfield, Kamara demonstrated the versatility and explosiveness that would define his professional career. Selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 67th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Kamara made an immediate impact in his rookie season. He rushed for 728 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 81 receptions for 826 yards and five receiving touchdowns, becoming the first rookie in NFL history to record over 1,500 scrimmage yards. His exceptional performance earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and a Pro Bowl selection. Kamara's ability to line up as both a running back and wide receiver created matchup nightmares for opposing defenses, establishing him as one of the league's most dynamic offensive weapons. Kamara's defining moment came on Christmas Day 2020 against the Minnesota Vikings, when he rushed for 155 yards and tied the NFL single-game record with six rushing touchdowns, matching Ernie Nevers' 1929 achievement. Throughout his career, he has consistently ranked among the NFL's elite dual-threat backs, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and maintaining impressive efficiency metrics. His receiving ability from the backfield revolutionized how the Saints utilized their offensive personnel, often creating mismatches against linebackers in coverage. Kamara's impact extends beyond individual statistics, as he helped transform the Saints' offensive identity during the later years of Drew Brees' career. His versatility and consistent production established him as a cornerstone of New Orleans' offensive system, influencing how modern NFL teams deploy running backs in pass-heavy schemes. His combination of vision, agility, and receiving skills exemplifies the evolution of the running back position in contemporary football.
Setting NFL single-game record with 6 rushing touchdowns on Christmas Day 2020
How They Played
Versatile dual-threat back with exceptional vision, agility, and receiving skills out of the backfield
Lasting Impact
Redefined the modern running back position by combining elite rushing and receiving abilities
Career Honours
- Offensive Rookie of the Year 2017
- Pro Bowl 6x
- All-Pro 2x
- NFL single-game record 6 rushing TDs (2020)
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2017)
- Pro Bowl (6x)
- First-team All-Pro (2x)
| Team | Period | Games | Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints | 2017–2024 | 126 | #41 |
| Tennessee Volunteers | 2015–2016 | 24 | — |
| Alabama Crimson Tide | 2013–2014 | — | — |
| Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons | 2014–2015 | 9 | — |
American Athletes