Fox's Mark Ingram doesn't rule out NFL comeback this season

After being a staple running back in the NFL since 2011 and going to three Pro Bowls, Mark Ingram isn’t on an NFL roster going into the 2023 season. That’s after going on injured reserve in 2022 and becoming a broadcast with Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff.

So, it’s easy to assume that Ingram is done with professional football. However, he says that he can still play and didn’t rule out an NFL comeback for the right offer.

“My body feels really well,” Mark Ingram said. “I know for a fact, I was going to address playing each year, and at the end of the season, I got healthy. My body was feeling good. I was like, ‘Yeah, definitely.’ [I was] definitely capable and wanted to play this year.”

Already a veteran, Ingram doesn’t think he’d play forever. However, he does think he has plenty in the tank before he’d be able to return to his new career with Fox.

“If I do play, let’s say I play another one year, two years, God-willing tops, maybe three? That’s still not that long,” Ingram said. “And in the grand scheme of things, this is an opportunity where can I get in the door with a great network, with a great position at a desk on a premiere college football show, and be able to grow in the industry. Continue to improve, continue to get better and hopefully be able to do this career for 20-30 years. It was kind of a decision like that. It all just kind of fell into position for me at the perfect moment. That’s the blessing of it.”

Of course, Mark Ingram isn’t going to return to the NFL for nothing. It’s going to take the right deal and the right team for Ingram to strap the pads back on.

“If you’re a true, legit contender, go ahead and give me a shout. Give me a call and I’ll hear you out. I’ll listen. That wasn’t the case what was happening in my free agency. There was some good teams that called, but nothing I was willing to jump at. Nothing that was making sense for me or team at the moment.”

Mark Ingram slams the NFL’s treatment of running backs

Recently, Mark Ingram noted that the way running backs have been treated around the league has been poor. This has frustrated him and led him to vent about how the position is valued.

“Yeah, it’s a crime. It’s cruelty. I’m telling you. They’re not doing the running backs right. It’s only been one of the most prestigious, exciting positions in all of football. You have Saquon Barkley. When he’s healthy, they are the New York football Giants. When he’s not, they’re just the New York Giants. You have the leading rusher in Josh Jacobs come in and he has a one-year deal,” Ingram said.

“Every other position they get compensated for what they’re doing. They get compensated for their production. When it’s time for the running back to get paid, it is atrocious what they’re doing to them. They’re not appreciating them. They’re not valuing them. And come on guys. Come on GMs. Come on owners. Take care of these guys. Running backs are crucial and vital to your success. And if you don’t have a Patrick Mahomes. If you don’t have a Tom Brady, you’re gonna need one of these backs to help you to a playoff and to a Super Bowl.”