Former Tennessee running back Alvin Kamara showed his love for the Vols’ athletics department with a massive gift this week. According to Tennessee Athletics on Thursday, UT “has received a large philanthropic gift from VFL and NFL great running back Alvin Kamara.”
Kamara’s picture already overlooks the Tennessee River on the back side of the south jumbotron atop Neyland Stadium, but he’ll continue to cement his legacy with a new opportunity inside the stadium in the near future. According to Tennessee Athletics, UT is “working with Kamara on a prominent naming opportunity inside Neyland Stadium to recognize his generous commitment.”
Kamara will also be featured during Saturday’s Orange & White Spring Game in Neyland Stadium.
“There are certain experiences that shape you throughout your life,” Kamara said in a statement, via the UT press release. “In my heart, it was only right that I pour back into the university that gave me an opportunity when I didn’t quite know what was next. The naming recognition space that we are working on, inside Neyland Stadium, will be a representation of perseverance and faith for everyone who enters for years to come.”
While not dominating in the NFL and carving his place in the league’s history books, Kamara has been a frequent visitor on Rocky Top for games and events. Most recently, he stopped by campus to drop in on Tennessee’s spring training camp on Mar. 30.
“Alvin has made an extraordinary difference in our program, and we are profoundly grateful for this generous philanthropic gift,” Director of Athletics Danny White said in a statement, via the UT press release. “Alvin’s leadership and unwavering support have meant so much to us, and we cannot thank him enough for all he continues to do for Tennessee!”
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Kamara played at Tennessee for two seasons in 2015 and 2016. He racked up 210 total carries, 1,294 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, 74 receptions, 683 receiving yards, and seven receiving touchdowns. He also took back 28 punts for 284 yards and one touchdown. Kamara was as dynamic an offensive player as Tennessee has ever seen, which translated into a long and fruitful career in the NFL.
After being drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Kamara has spent all nine of his NFL years with the New Orleans Saints. The workhorse of a player hasn’t played in fewer than 11 games in any season, as he paved roads for running backs and dynamic threats that came after him.
In his nine-year NFL career, Kamara has 1,674 carries, 7,250 rushing yards, 61 rushing touchdowns, 606 receptions on 767 targets, 4,948 receiving yards, and 25 receiving touchdowns. He currently holds New Orleans Saints all-time records for rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns, total yards from scrimmage, all-purpose yardage, and first downs.
Fans will be able to see Alvin Kamara and other VFLs this Saturday at the 2026 Orange & White Spring Game in Neyland Stadium. The event will begin at 2:00 p.m. ET and admission is free.
