Former Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram II may be trading his gridiron cleats for an analyst’s headset a bit sooner than originally expected.
Ingram, per a recent New York Post report, is expected to retire to join FOX Sports’ “Big Noon Kickoff” college football pregame show. The 11-year veteran would succeed former New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush, whose contract is set to expire.
Though he has previously expressed a desire to return to the NFL for his 12th season, Ingram remains a free agent. In what may end up being his final season in the NFL, he logged 62 carries for 233 yards and one touchdown.
After eight highly-productive seasons with the Saints, Ingram signed a three-year, $15 million contract with Baltimore before the 2019 season. The Alabama product performed brilliantly in his first season with the Ravens, starting a career-high 15 games while rushing for 1,018 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. For his efforts, Ingram was awarded his third Pro Bowl nod.
Despite his stellar showing in the prior season, Ingram’s production began to decline in 2020. After a stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list in November, the former first-round draft selection found himself behind Baltimore’s young trio of J. K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill. He was ultimately released by the Ravens before the 2021 season.
Ingram signed with the Houston Texans at the start of 2021 but was traded back to the Saints in October. During his second stint with New Orleans — totaling 17 games during 2021 and 2022 — he carried the ball 130 times for 493 yards and two touchdowns.
Should he call it a career at age 33, Ingram will forever be remembered fondly in Charm City for his outstanding performance in 2019.
