From the Sports Opinionated Backpages: An acceptance speech not even Kanye West would interrupt...

I usually don’t pay much attention to award ceremony speeches. Unless Kanye West is around to declare Beyonce Knowles his choice for the award, award ceremony speeches tend to be quite lame and predictable. After the selection of the winner of the 2009 Heisman trophy as college football’s most outstanding player, I might be persuaded to listen to more acceptance speeches.

Whether you agree with the selection of Alabama’s Mark Ingram or not, anyone with a pulse would find it hard to cheer against him. It was surprising and refreshing to see an athlete being genuine and truthful.

His story is almost as unbelievable as the fact he is the first Heisman award winner from a school as prestigious as Alabama.

From the working class city of Flint, Michigan, Mark Ingram had football in his blood. A standout high school athlete, he fell in love with the campus at Tuscaloosa. Being the only “northerner” on the roster, he developed a great sense of team-first camaraderie at the school. Playing behind the equally emotional and passionate running back Glen Coffee, he developed into a powerful, explosive running back reminiscent of Adrian Peterson.

What makes this story so unique is his relationship with father, ex-NFL wide receiver Mark Ingram SR. On January 3rd, 2009 the day after Mark Ingram and the Crimson Tide lost to Utah in the 75th anniversary of the Sugar Bowl, Mark Ingram SR was arrested in a Flint, Michigan hotel room after his failure to surrender to authorities on various criminal charges including money laundering, bank fraud and breaking and entering.

Alabama coach Nick Saban had previously coached Mark Ingram Sr. while he was a standout wide receiver at Michigan State. Ingram Sr. became a first round NFL draft choice of the New York Giants and went on to a long career as an NFL player.


Just a few miles away at a federal penitentiary in Queen’s New York, Ingram Sr. was unable to attend his son’s Heisman trophy presentation. Despite facing years of incarceration, Mark Ingram Sr. remains a strong figure in his son’s life.

During his tearful and emotional acceptance speech, it is clear to see how much the award meant to Ingram. Fighting through tears and his wavering voice, he displayed all his emotions on his sleeve and it gave scouts and sporting fans alike a true vision of who this star athlete is. I don’t think he should have a tough time facing the scouting interviews when it comes time to be drafted into the NFL.

Ingram may not have been the best player at his position (Toby Gerhart). He may not have been the best player on his team either. Despite being 12th in the nation in yards per game, it was no more obvious how much Ingram meant to his team than when he ran for 113 yards and 3 touch downs against Florida’s (then) top-ranked defence.

Upon receiving his surprise award, he gave thanks to all those who came to his mind including his mother, his father, grand parents, coaching staff, an intern and teachers. He also demonstrated his respect by commenting on his appreciation for the relationships he has developed with the other Heisman nominees.

We hear all too many times of athletes being shallow and irresponsible. I hope that all the fame and fortune that awaits Ingram doesn’t change the emotional and passionate individual we got a glimpse at during the Heisman presentation.