Mark Ingram: ‘I want to be the best back to ever play the freakin’ game of football’

Modest, is the word you might use to describe the career of Mark Ingram thus far. ‘Inexplicably confident anyway’, is the phrase you would use to describe the current state of mind of the New Orleans Saints’ running back.

More from New Orleans Saints

• Shocking reunion with Saints fan favorite finally made official after months of hints
• 3 Saints players who won’t be on the roster after training camp
• NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
• Long-awaited Saints shoe drop is finally coming courtesy of Alvin Kamara
• Is Mark Ingram’s new CFB gig a signal that he’s retired from NFL?

Ingram is a former Heisman Trophy winner who just has never quite clicked at the NFL level. Over the course of his three year career, Ingram has 1,462 yards rushing on 4.1 yards per carry. He had five touchdowns in each of his first two seasons, with just one last year.

There is certainly still talent there, and I suppose there is a possibility that there is still untapped potential for a guy who has started only 12 games in his career. It sounds like Ingram will be given every chance to win the Saints’ job and finally take off with it in 2014 if he is up to the task.

One might assume, then, that Ingram’s goals are realistic and grounded in the reality of his career thus far. Not so. Quite the opposite, in fact. From ESPN.com, here is what Ingram had to say:

"“The sky’s the limit, man. I want to be the best back to ever play the freakin’ game of football,” Ingram said."

When asked about his competition with the more-hyped Khiry Robinson for the playing time to meet his perceived Hall of Fame potential, Ingram said the following:

"“I don’t mind at all. I mean, I like flying under the radar.”"

You know what helps if you want to fly under the radar? Not saying crazy things about wanting to be the best running back in NFL history.