Alvin Kamara just did something that hasn’t been done since 1929

Alvin Kamara just tied a record that was set over 90 years ago.

Apparently, no one told the Minnesota Vikings’ defense that they had a game to play this Christmas, as New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara ran roughshod over them, scoring six touchdowns on the ground as the Saints picked up a pivotal win.

Kamara tied a record that was set back in the leather helmet days, as Chicago Cardinals legend Ernie Nevers also had six rushing touchdowns (while kicking all of his team’s extra points) in a 40-6 win over the Bears way back in 1929.

Alvin Kamara’s historic day has been equaled by few in football history

Kamara is just the fourth non-quarterback to account for six touchdowns a game. Way back in 1951, versatile Cleveland Browns offensive weapon Dub Jones ran for four touchdowns on just nine carries while also catching two touchdown passes in a historically dominant performance. As a rookie, the late Hall of Famer Gale Sayers ran for four scores, caught one, and returned a punt for a touchdown in what many call the greatest single-game performance in NFL history.

Kamara’s performance wasn’t just a stat-padding affair in a meaningless game, as it helped the Saints clinch an NFC South title, giving them a home playoff game while forcing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to go on the road in the postseason. Meanwhile, Kamara’s dominance eliminated the Vikings from postseason contention.

The Saints needed a big day from Kamara, especially with Drew Brees underperforming due to his injury. Not only did Kamara answer the bell on national television, but he did so while matching a record that was set before NFL record books officially credited players like Nevers with rushing yards. Derrick Henry and Dalvin Cook have been battling for the title of “league’s best running back”, but Kamara emphatically threw his name into the conversation.