foreverfan

If his first NFL carry has anything to do with it.

Saints rookie Mark Ingram receives harsh welcome to NFL in first full practice


METAIRIE – Though the third practice of training camp hardly counts, prized rookie running back Mark Ingram’s first professional carry with the New Orleans Saints left much to be desired Sunday morning.

After being stopped for a loss around left end, the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama and the team’s second of two first-round draft picks, not only lost the ball but he also lost his helmet.

Saints’ veteran middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma made the strip and scoop. There is some dispute as to who unhinged Ingram’s helmet. Some observers cite Vilma (that would give him the trifecta), others give the nod to free safety Malcolm Jenkins.

Moments later, Saints Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams’ added insult to Ingram’s bruised ego: “Welcome to the NFL! … Welcome! … Welcome! … Welcome!’’

“I thought the play was over,’’ Ingram explained. “I should have buttoned up but I didn’t. It is what it is. It’s all a learning experience for me. I made sure it didn’t happen again.’’
Sunday morning’s workout was Ingram’s first of training camp. He missed the first two workouts while his agent, Joel Segal, and team officials worked on a contract.

2019 Death of a Parrot.