Mark Ingram II Returns to Alabama Football as Special Advisor
Mark Ingram II, the University of Alabama’s first Heisman Trophy winner and a foundational player in Nick Saban’s early championship teams, has made a highly celebrated return to Tuscaloosa. Ingram has officially joined the Crimson Tide football staff in the role of Special Advisor, where he’ll focus primarily on supporting and mentoring the team’s running backs while also offering broader strategic insights to the program.
For Alabama fans and football insiders alike, this moment feels like a homecoming for one of the most beloved figures in the school’s storied football history. Originally from Flint, Michigan, Ingram arrived at Alabama in 2008 as a highly rated recruit. It didn’t take long for him to make an impression. By his second season, he had rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns, performances that earned him the 2009 Heisman Trophy—the first ever awarded to an Alabama player.
That same year, Ingram helped lead the Crimson Tide to an undefeated season and a BCS National Championship, cementing his place as a program legend. His toughness, vision, and ability to rise in clutch moments became hallmarks of his game and helped shape the identity of Alabama football in the Saban era.
After leaving college, Ingram entered the NFL as a first-round draft pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2011. Over the course of a 12-year professional career, he became the Saints’ all-time leading rusher, amassing 6,500 rushing yards and scoring 52 touchdowns. He also had successful stints with the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, finishing his NFL career with over 10,000 total yards from scrimmage and 75 touchdowns. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Ingram was known throughout the league for his durability, leadership, and fierce competitiveness.
Following his retirement from the NFL, Ingram moved into broadcasting. He became a regular face on FOX Sports’ “Big Noon Kickoff” as a college football analyst. His articulate breakdowns and charismatic presence made him a fan favorite, and his media career quickly gained momentum.
Despite his success in television, Ingram’s heart never left Tuscaloosa. His return to the Alabama program speaks volumes about the deep connection he maintains with the university and its football tradition. In his new role, he’s expected to be a hands-on mentor for the Crimson Tide’s talented group of running backs, drawing on his wealth of experience from both college and the pros.
Alabama has a reputation for producing elite running backs, with names like Derrick Henry, Najee Harris, and Josh Jacobs all passing through the program in recent years. Now, with Ingram offering guidance and perspective from someone who’s been through the journey, the current and future backfield talent at Alabama stands to benefit immensely.
His presence is also likely to resonate beyond the practice field. Ingram’s understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels—and his ability to communicate those lessons—adds a new layer of leadership to the staff. His influence is expected to stretch into recruiting, player development, and overall team culture.
This move is more than symbolic—it’s a strategic step for Alabama as it continues to evolve and adapt under Coach Nick Saban. Ingram’s return marks a blending of past greatness with future potential, and it’s a strong statement about the program’s commitment to honoring its legacy while building for continued success.
Crimson Tide fans will be keeping a close eye on Ingram’s impact in this new chapter, as one of the school’s most iconic players brings his journey full circle—back to the place where it all began.
