Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Alvin Kamara

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Alvin Kamara made an impact.

Alvin Kamara is a prominent American football running back for the New Orleans Saints. After transferring from Hutchinson Community College, he played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. Drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, he quickly made an impact, earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors in 2017 and being selected for the Pro Bowl in his first five seasons. A two-time second-team All-Pro, Kamara achieved a rare feat in 2020 by scoring six rushing touchdowns in a single game. Four years later, he became the Saints' all-time rushing leader, solidifying his place in the team's history.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2014: Transfer to Hutchinson Community College

In 2014, Alvin Kamara transferred to Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. During his season, he ran for 1,253 yards with 18 touchdowns and was named NJCAA All-American.

September 5, 2015: Tennessee Debut

On September 5, 2015, Kamara debuted for Tennessee against Bowling Green at Nissan Stadium, accounting for 144 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His 144 rushing yards set a school record for most rushing yards in a debut game.

2015: Kamara's First Season with Tennessee

In 2015, Kamara had 698 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, also recording 34 receptions for 291 yards and three receiving touchdowns for Tennessee. The team finished the season with a 9-4 record and won the Outback Bowl.

2016: Forgoing Senior Season

At the end of the 2016 season, Kamara decided to forgo his redshirt senior season.

2016: Key Contributor for Volunteers

In 2016, Kamara was a key contributor for the Volunteers, with 138 all-purpose yards, including a receiving touchdown, in a victory over #25 Georgia. He set a school record with 312 all-purpose yards against #8 Texas A&M, breaking a mark set in 1989.

December 19, 2017: Pro Bowl Selection

On December 19, 2017, Alvin Kamara was named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie alongside Mark Ingram II.

2017: NFL Debut with Saints

During the 2017 season opener, Kamara debuted with the Saints, contributing with rushing, receiving, and kickoff returns.

2017: Entering NFL Draft

In 2017, Alvin Kamara decided to enter the NFL draft after forgoing his redshirt senior season.

2017: Kamara Drafted by Saints

In 2017, Alvin Kamara was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round with the 67th overall pick in the NFL Draft.

2017: Record-Breaking Rookie Season

In 2017, Kamara achieved the first 700/700 season by a Saint, and his 6.07 yards per rush was the most ever by an NFL rookie among non-quarterbacks with 100+ carries.

2017: Kamara Drafted by Saints and Named Rookie of the Year

In 2017, Kamara was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the NFL draft and was subsequently named the NFL Rookie of the Year.

2017: Playoff Appearance and Rookie of the Year Award

In 2017, the Saints made the playoffs and Alvin Kamara was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, earning Pro Bowl and All-Rookie Team honors.

2018: Main Running Back for Saints

Due to Mark Ingram II's suspension, Alvin Kamara started the 2018 season as the Saints' main running back.

2018: Pro Bowl Selection

Kamara was named to the Pro Bowl for his performance in the 2018 season, finishing with 883 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, 709 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.

2019: NFC Championship Game Loss

During the 2019 NFC Championship Game against the Rams, Kamara had 15 rushing yards and 96 receiving yards in the controversial overtime loss.

2019: Third Pro Bowl Selection

Kamara finished the 2019 season with 797 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, along with 533 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, earning his third Pro Bowl selection.

2020: Kamara Scores Six Touchdowns

In 2020, Alvin Kamara became only the second player in NFL history to score six rushing touchdowns in a single game.

2020: Season Achievements

In 2020, Kamara tied for the second-most rushing touchdowns in the NFL with 16 and led the league with 21 total touchdowns, earning his fourth Pro Bowl selection.