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 currently playing for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL. After transferring from Hutchinson Community College, he played college football at Tennessee before being drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Kamara was named NFL Rookie of the Year in 2017 and earned Pro Bowl selections in his first five seasons, alongside two second-team All-Pro honors. A notable achievement includes tying an NFL record by scoring six rushing touchdowns in a single game in 2020. In 2024, he became the Saints' all-time rushing leader.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1980: Yards per Rush Stat

In 2017, Kamara had the third most yards per rush since 1980.

1986: First Player Since Herschel Walker

In 2017, Kamara became the first player since Herschel Walker in 1986 to compile 500 rushing and receiving yards in his first 11 career games.

1989: School Record Broken

In 2016, Kamara broke Chuck Webb's 1989 school record with 312 all-purpose yards in a game against Texas A&M.

1997: Comparison to Barry Sanders

In 2017, Kamara had the third most yards per rush since 1980, trailing behind Barry Sanders (1997).

2010: Comparison to Jamaal Charles

In 2017, Kamara had the third most yards per rush since 1980, trailing behind Jamaal Charles (2010).

September 5, 2015: Tennessee Debut

On September 5, 2015, Kamara debuted for Tennessee against Bowling Green, setting a school record with 144 rushing yards in his debut game.

2016: End of College Career

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

2016: Key Contributor for the Volunteers

In 2016, Kamara was a key contributor for the Volunteers, showcasing his versatility as a running back and receiver.

2017: Enters the NFL Draft

In 2017, Kamara entered the NFL draft after two seasons as a Volunteer.

2017: Record-Breaking Season

In 2017, Kamara had a record-breaking season with 728 rushing yards and 826 receiving yards, becoming the first Saint to achieve a 700/700 season.

2017: Drafted by the Saints and NFL Rookie of the Year

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

2017: Drafted by the Saints

In 2017, Kamara was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the NFL Draft.

2017: NFC South Champions and Playoff Appearance

In 2017, the Saints won the NFC South with an 11-5 record. Also in 2017, Kamara had a rushing touchdown in the Wild Card Round against the Panthers.

2018: Lead Running Back and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2018, Kamara started as the Saints' main running back due to Ingram's suspension. He also earned a Pro Bowl selection for his performance in 2018.

2020: Pro Bowl Selection and NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2020, Alvin Kamara made his third Pro Bowl and was ranked 42nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

2020: Record-Tying Performance and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2020, Alvin Kamara tied the NFL record of six rushing touchdowns in a single game on Christmas Day, and made his fourth Pro Bowl for his achievements in the season.

2020: Six Rushing Touchdowns in a Single Game

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

2020: Five-Year Contract Extension

The day before the Saints' 2020 season opener, Alvin Kamara signed a five-year contract extension worth $75 million.

February 2021: Sponsorship in NASCAR Xfinity Series

In February 2021, Alvin Kamara's juice and smoothie chain, Big Squeezy, sponsored Ryan Vargas's No. 6 JD Motorsports car in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Daytona.

June 20, 2021: NASCAR Growth and Engagement Advisor Role

On June 20, 2021, Alvin Kamara was named NASCAR's Growth and Engagement Advisor.

2021: Emergency Quarterback

As of 2021, Kamara also serves as the Saints' emergency quarterback, adding another dimension to his role.

2021: Fifth Pro Bowl Nomination

In 2021, Alvin Kamara earned his fifth Pro Bowl nomination, becoming the first player in franchise history to be named to the Pro Bowl in each of their first five seasons.

2022: NFL Top 100 Players Ranking

In 2022, Alvin Kamara was ranked 51st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

2022: 2022 NFL Season

In the 2022 NFL season, Alvin Kamara totaled 897 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, along with 490 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in 15 games.