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18
MY
ROUSES
EVERYDAY
SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017
the
Football
issue
S
aints running back Mark Ingram played college football for the
Crimson Tide, won the Heisman Trophy, and was a member of
the national championship team when Alabama beat Texas to win
its 13th national title. He was named Offensive MVP of that game after
rushing for 116 yards and scoring two touchdowns on 22 carries.
You bucked family tradition when you picked Alabama over
Michigan State, where your father and grandfather both played.
Nick Saban is one of the greatest recruiters in college football
history, but why did you ultimately choose Alabama?
It was a situation where I made the best decision for
me
. I had the
support of my family, who attended Michigan State. We just felt
like, going to Alabama with Coach Saban, I could maximize my full
potential. I had the support of friends and family, and I prayed on it.
God made it an easy decision.
You were the first Alabama player towin the Heisman and at the
time, the youngest player ever. The results are announced live.
What’s it like leading up to the ceremony? Can you relax and
enjoy the experience?
It’s kind of nerve-wracking. You try to be with your family and just
enjoy the great experience in New York City. I didn’t win anything
at the College Football Awards so I didn’t think I was going to
win the Heisman trophy. It was just a special moment, especially
with all the great players that had come
through Alabama. Even with all the All-
Americans and all the championships, there
had
never
been a Heisman trophy winner
from Alabama at that point. It’s still surreal
to me when I think about it.
How did you celebrate?
I rode around the city in a limo with my
mom, my grandparents and a couple of
media people from Alabama. We saw the
Statue of Liberty, went to Ground Zero,
grabbed a slice of New York style pizza and
just enjoyed the night.
As a past winner you get to help decide
who takes home the trophy every year. I
don’t think people know that you get to
vote for first, second and third choice.
How does the voting process work?
It’s pretty much just submitting a ballot
online with your first, second and third
choice, or you can call the head man for the
Heisman and tell him your choices. That’s
pretty much how it goes. You watch it, you
see who you like.Then you list one, two, and
three — or you can just list one.
Nick Saban is one of the best — and most
feared — college coaches in history.
What’s it like to play for him?
He demands perfection every day. If you’re
doing your job and getting after it, you’re
not going to hear from him too much. If
you’re slipping, if he thinks you’re slacking off, or if he feels like
you’re not working to your max, then he is going to be on you. He’s
a perfectionist.That’s what makes him great.
Now you’re playing for another great coach, Sean Payton.
How is the relationship between a coach and athlete different
between college and the pros?
When you’re in college, you’re young, and they’re trying to help
develop you into a man. It’s similar when you get to the NFL, but
a lot of players already have a family and kids.
I
have a family and
kids; so does Coach Payton. It’s grown men dealing with grown
men. It’s just a strong business relationship. We all want the same
things: to do well, to perform well and to win a championship. I feel
like, in college, it’s about developing young men into grown men.
The pros
are
grown men having strong working relationships and
working together towards a common goal.
You had the best season of your NFL career last year. Here’s to
another one. But one final question ... who plays Alabama for
the BCS championship this season?
I know Alabama is going be in it again. I don’t know who the
opponent will be, but I’m taking Alabama again. We’re going to
bounce back strong after last year.
Mark
OF A CHAMPION
Interview with
Mark Ingram
Photo is used with permission of the New Orleans Saints.