NFL team's star running back signs with local sports agency

New Orleans Saints star running back Mark Ingram II has hired VIP Sports Management of Detroit as his new sports agency of record.

A Heisman Trophy winner who grew up in Flint, Ingram has played for the Saints since 2011, and is coming off his best season yet. In addition to being selected for the Pro Bowl in 2017, Ingram finished the regular season with career highs of 1,124 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, 58 receptions and 416 receiving yards. The prior season, he ran for 1,043 yards and six touchdowns on 205 carries and caught 46 passes for 319 yards and four TDs.

"I am excited to join the VIP team," said Ingram, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2009 while leading the University of Alabama to an undefeated season and the national title. "Paul and David are smart, aggressive guys who really look out for the best interests of their players, on and off the field."

Founded in 2014 by attorney David W. Jones and former Michigan State University football player Paul Bobbitt, VIP Sports Management is a certified, full-service sports agency whose clients consist of current and former NFL players and several 2018 NFL draft prospects. In addition to contract negotiations, the company provides draft preparation and training, endorsements and marketing, and post-career planning and management.

"It's good to work with, not only someone who grew up in our home state, but also someone as talented and versatile as Mark Ingram," said Bobbitt. "He's one of the best running backs in the NFL and he is approaching the prime of his career. We plan to make sure he's well represented at contract time."

Ingram's contract with the Saints runs through the end of the 2018-19 season.

Published: Mon, Apr 23, 2018