Melvin Ingram

Melvin Ingram's Biography

Born on April 26, 1989, Melvin Ingram III has long made his mark on American professional football as an impeccable linebacker. Currently a free agent, Ingram’s journey in football is one filled with challenges, victories, and a continued dedication to the sport. He has played for popular teams such as the San Diego Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, highlighting the diverseness of his career and value as a football player.

Ingram’s love for football was nurtured in Richmond Senior High School, Rockingham, North Carolina, where he truly came into his own. As a senior linebacker, he recorded an impressive 87 tackles and 2.5 sacks. But it was at the University of South Carolina that his skills flourished under the guidance of coach Steve Spurrier; he started as a linebacker for the South Carolina Gamecocks from 2007-2011 before switching to being a defensive end. His ability to adapt and excel came to the fore in 2010 when he lead in sacks as a junior.

2011 was a turning point in Ingram’s college football career. Not only did he have 10 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and two interceptions, he also scored three incredible touchdowns, two of which were during the nail-biting 45-42 victory against Georgia. This year, he played a crucial role in propelling the Gamecocks to a final #4 national poll ranking, earning him All-American honors and recognition as a first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection.

After a successful stint in college, Ingram was selected by the San Diego Chargers in 2012, with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft. Despite being a rookie, he recorded 18 quarterback pressures, played in all 16 games with two starts, and tied for second-most on the squad, showcasing his immense potential.

May 14, 2013, however, was a unfortunate setback in his career when Ingram tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the Chargers’ team activities, expected to miss the entire season. On December 7, he made a comeback being activated off the PUP list, displaying his unwavering spirit and resilience.

Ingram continually made headlines with his performances in 2015, especially during his game against the Cincinnati Bengals when he intercepted quarterback Andy Dalton for his first postseason interception. His prowess on the field was further recognized when the Chargers placed the franchise tag on him in 2017.

Ingram continued showcasing his skills, bagging the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September 2017, and later that year, signed a four-year, $66 million contract with the Chargers. His performance that season led him to his first career Pro Bowl selection, and he was placed 76th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.

Despite a bold prediction of a Super Bowl LIII victory at the start of the 2018 NFL season, the Chargers didn’t make it to the final round, falling to the New England Patriots in the divisional round. In 2019, Ingram once again predicted a Super Bowl win, but the Chargers missed the playoffs entirely, posting a record of 5–11.

In 2020, Ingram was placed on injured reserve twice due to a knee injury, which affected his performances that season. However, showing resilience and commitment, he came back stronger and signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021. Soon after, in November 2021, Ingram was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for a sixth-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft.

His career took yet another turn when he signed a contract with the Miami Dolphins in May 2022. Following this, he was moved to the practice squad in December 2023, before being promoted to the active roster in January 2024. Throughout his career, Ingram has never failed to impress with his skill, agility, and dedication, making him a phenomenal asset to any team he graces.