Mark Ingram II Still Taking Football by Force in a New Way

His playing days may be over, but the former Alabama running back's legacy in the sport is far from finished.

Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

It was July 2011, and he was surrounded by greatness, but still didn’t quite realize that he fit in perfectly.

Mark Ingram II was still going by Mark Ingram Jr. at that point, and had yet to start his National Football League career. The first-round draft pick of the New Orleans Saints was back in Tuscaloosa, though, standing in the heart of the Bryant Museum and taking it all in.

There was the national championship trophy. The gloves he wore and held up for television cameras after scoring a touchdown against Texas. The Gatorade-doused shirt Nick Saban wore through the postgame ceremony, which would never be washed again.

And, of course, Alabama’s replica of the Heisman Trophy, the first in program history. Ingram’s copy went back to Michigan with his mother, and she still has it today.

“It wasn’t long ago at all,” Ingram said while reflecting back in 2011. “I think it was three-and-a-half years ago I was reporting here and then started summer workouts. It went by really quick. I remember all the older guys telling me that it flies by and they didn’t lie. Those are guys who played five years and I only played three, so it went by really fast.

“I definitely miss it, but I’m looking forward to the next chapter as well.”

Although Tuscaloosa was still reeling from the April tornado, and would soon enjoy watching the Crimson Tide win back-to-back national titles, Ingram was in town with his family for the dedication of a new painting, “Take it by Force.” By Birmingham sports artist Steve Skipper, donated by George Landegger, and sponsored by Ingram’s foundation, it was similar to the prophetic “Dynasty” cover of Sports Illustrated of the touchdown, with a shadowy image of the Heisman Trophy overlooking the scene.

“There are (defenders) laying down there everywhere,” he said. “It’s a perfectly executed play. All I had to do was jump over one guy.”

Ingram was pretty proud of it, as he was about his illustrious Crimson Tide career. Check out some of his accomplishments:

• Won 2009 Heisman Trophy
• 2009 SEC Offensive Player of the Year
• 2009 Unanimous All-American
• 2009 All-SEC
• First-round pick 2011 NFL Draft
• During the 2009 SEC Championship Game rushed for 113 yards and three touchdowns, while also catching two passes for 76 receiving yards to combine for 189 all-purpose yards against Florida. While doing so surpassed Bobby Humphrey’s single-season rushing record for the Crimson Tide (1,471)
• Was named Offensive MVP of 2010 BCS National Championship Game after rushing for 116 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries
• For the 2009 season, Ingram rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns, and also had 334 receiving yards with three touchdowns
• Finished Crimson Tide career with 3,261 rushing yards in 41 games (24 starts), and had 42 rushing touchdowns. Also had 60 receptions for 670 yards and four more scores

But he wasn’t there to gloat about his collegiate success. Instead, Ingram used the opportunity to promote the foundation he had established to work with children whose parents are in prison.

The trip wasn’t something that he had to do, yet he felt was important. It was also another example of how he always felt more comfortable talking about others, and praising his teammates, as Ingram was always quick to give credit to the other offensive starters, especially his blockers.

Last week, Ingram announced that he’ll be joining Fox Sports on its "Big Noon Kickoff" show as an analyst, effectively ending his playing career. At 33, he wasn’t the oldest active Crimson Tide player in the NFL — that distinction belongs to Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson at 35, and 34-year-old wide receiver Julio Jones is right behind him if he signs with a team this season — but he continued defying the odds by playing a position where most of the best players have little left at age 30.

Overall, he played 12 pro seasons, tallying 8,111 rushing yards and 65 touchdowns over his career, plus 303 receptions for 2,125 yards and another five scores. He had three 1,000-yard seasons, and 19 100-yard games.

However, one can’t help but think back to some of his greatest moments on the field in crimson and white, like when he basically put Alabama on his back against South Carolina and with numerous consecutive handoffs out of the wildcat carried Alabama to a win. He finished with a career-best 246 rushing yards.

Or the 69-yard screen play in the SEC Championship Game against Florida, where he finished with 113 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

And, of course, there was the Texas title game in the Rose Bowl, where he had 116 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

From a personal standpoint, there were just as many standout moments off the field that few were able to witness and enjoy. They include the press conference immediately after Ingram might have given the best Heisman speech ever, and got emotional once again while hugging his running backs coach Burton Burns. He was all smiles while placing a ceremonial team pennant among those representing the other winners, and it was the only one that said Alabama.

Ingram then took time to talk to all the Crimson Tide writers who had made the trip to New York to watch history, remaining humble and wide-eyed the whole time. His appreciation of the moment never wavered, nor of what it took to get there.

Thankfully, the running back will stay in football, albeit in a very different way. Fox almost never has the rights to Alabama games, but he’ll be continually taking about the Crimson Tide and Nick Saban to a whole new audience, including those back in Michigan who remain loyal to the Big Ten.

And like playing football, he’ll almost certainly thrive. Ingram comes across as a natural behind a microphone, and for years he’s been preparing for this next career.

T.G. Paschal/BamaCentral

So while we’re sad to never see him never take another snap, we’re thrilled we'll get to regularly hear him in such a prominent role on the airwaves.

Alabama fans should be too.

They should take note of what the late Mal Moore said at that same dedication ceremony back in 2011.

“It wasn’t a deal where we featured Mark to help him try and win the Heisman,” Moore said. “He won it by being an outstanding player, a team player, playing his role, carrying his role. It was a great, great team effort and I appreciate that.

“We’re proud of Mark and proud that he’ll always represent this university.”

Christopher Walsh's All Things CW column regularly appears on BamaCentral. 

SEE ALSO: Alabama's Original Heisman Trophy Winner Retires From NFL; Joining Big Noon Kickoff