By the time Mark Ingram and Terron Armstead stopped wearing the helmets with the fleur-de-lis on the side, they had become more like brothers than teammates.
Two guys who are just as different as they are alike.
Ingram is 5-foot-9. Armstead is 6-5.
Ingram arrived in New Orleans as a Heisman Trophy winner from one of the most tradition-rich football programs in the country. Armstead came from tiny Arkansas-Pine Bluff, a SWAC school not known as a powerhouse like Ingram’s Alabama.
But they both grew up in the Midwest before playing college in the South and eventually landing with the New Orleans Saints. Their journeys eventually led them into the Saints Hall of Fame, where they were inducted on Friday during a luncheon at Chateau Country Club in Kenner.
It seems like just yesterday they were playing. In a way, they were.
Ingram’s final NFL season was in 2022, the second year of his second stint in New Orleans.
Armstead wrapped up his career in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, three seasons after his final season with the Saints in 2021.
They made their way into the Saints Hall of Fame as soon as they became eligible, a testament of how much of a no-brainer their inductions were. If you thought Armstead’s 40 time at the 2013 combine was fast — his 4.71 is still the fastest ever for an offensive lineman — his induction was even faster. It’s something he doesn’t take for granted.
“Being inducted a year and a half removed from the game means how much they thought about me and my career and what I was able to bring to the city and to the team,” Armstead said. “It’s a very special induction and it truly means a lot.”
Ingram left as the franchise’s all-time leader in rushing before eventually being passed up by Alvin Kamara. Many of the holes Ingram ran through were opened by Armstead, one of the most dominant tackles in franchise history.
Ingram was unable to attend Friday’s ceremony because of his obligations as a college football analyst for Fox. He submitted a video for Friday’s ceremony, thanking all the people in the organization and the fans.
“Being inducted alongside my brother and teammate Terron Armstead makes this honor even more special,” Ingram said. “Terron, you motivated and inspired me throughout our playing days and you continue to do so today. I wouldn’t be here without you holding down that left side.”
Ingram will be in the Caesars Superdome on Sunday when he, Armstead and Sal LaRock will be honored at halftime of the Saints game against the Browns. LaRock, who has been employed by the Superdome since 1998, is this year’s recipient of the Joe Gemelli Fleur De Lis Award. That honor goes to an individual who has given time, love and devotion for the betterment of the team.
Ingram and Armstead made it to the Hall of Fame despite their careers getting off to slow starts.
There were times early on when Saints fans weren’t pleased with Ingram. He thanked Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis for not giving up on him during those times.
“For drafting me and believing in me, especially early on when things weren’t easy,” Ingram said. “You gave me an opportunity and stuck with me and gave me room to grow. I’ll never forget that.”
The same goes for Armstead, a third-round pick who didn’t get his first start until the next-to-last game of his rookie season.
“My biggest drive and motivator was to always prove myself,” Armstead said. “So I never got to that spot. I was never able to be like, ‘I made it.’ Never. I always wanted to prove myself. I wanted to make the team every summer, I wanted to earn my spot. That was always my drive to continue to progress.”
They both are described as consummate teammates. It’s why former Saints punter Thomas Morstead, now with the Tennessee Titans, took time during his bye week to attend Friday’s ceremony.
“We went through some cool stuff together,” Morstead said. “I love these guys. Two of the most awesome teammates you can imagine. I know they are close friends, so it’s cool they are going in together.”
Their post playing careers have led them both to TV.
“On TV, I’m representing that black and gold,” Armstead said. “I’ll forever be a Saint.”
His brother Ingram would agree.