How Giants RB Devin Singletary Got His "Motor" Nickname

Devin "Motor" Singletary has led his team in rushing yardage every year he's been in the NFL. He looks to continue that trend with the Giants.

For the first time in six seasons, the New York Giants will have a new starting running back in the backfield after Saquon Barkley left in free agency to join the Philadelphia Eagles. 

With Barkley's exit came the entrance of running back Devin Singletary, who will be a part of the new committee approach New York is instituting. Singletary, who is looking to help turbocharger a Giants rushing offense that fell from fourth in the league in 2022 to 16th in 2023, spent his first four NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills, splitting the carries in a pass-heavy offense. 

Still, for each of those four seasons, Singletary led the team in rushing, his lowest season total being 775 in his rookie campaign. Then, as the primary back for the Houston Texans, Singletary led the team in rushing yards, with a career-high 898 yards. In short, Singletary has prompted an NFL team in rushing for five consecutive seasons, proving he can be successful whether splitting carries or as a team's workhorse. 

Now, the man nicknamed "Motor" is heading to New York in search of becoming the team leader in rushing yards for a sixth straight season.  

Singletary, who explained that his moniker comes from his relentless effort--"I never stop going; I don't get tired," he said--is all revved up and ready to bring that energy to New York.

Devin Singletary explains his nickname "Motor." #NYGiants pic.twitter.com/VLw7PLiImq

— WBG84 (@WBG84) March 12, 2024

Since 2019, Singletary has ranked near the top of the league in forced missed tackles by a running back. The veteran back ranks 12th in the category, six slots higher than Barkley.

"I love making people miss. I was always told, 'If you're going to play running back, you got to be able to make somebody miss. So, I definitely enjoy making people miss."

Singletary has averaged nearly five yards per carry during his career and adds value by catching the ball out of the backfield, averaging almost seven yards per catch. However, it must be noted that Singletary has played with two of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, Josh Allen and C.J. Stroud.

The Giants, who have, at least on paper, upgraded their offensive line, hope to get similar production from the 26-year-old Singletary this coming season. 

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