Melvin Ingram facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Melvin Ingram

Ingram with the San Diego Chargers in 2015
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1989-04-26) April 26, 1989 (age 36) Hamlet, North Carolina, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
High school:	Richmond (Rockingham, North Carolina)
College:	South Carolina (2007–2011)
NFL Draft:	2012 / Round: 1 / Pick: 18
Career history
San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers (2012–2020) Pittsburgh Steelers (2021) Kansas City Chiefs (2021) Miami Dolphins (2022)
Career highlights and awards
3× Pro Bowl (2017–2019) Consensus All-American (2011) First-team All-SEC (2011)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 414 Sacks: 58.5 Forced fumbles: 16 Fumble recoveries: 9 Interceptions: 3 Pass deflections: 30 Defensive touchdowns: 2
Player stats at PFR

Melvin Ingram III (born April 26, 1989) is an American professional football player. He is known for playing as a linebacker, a key defensive position. Melvin played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks. He was recognized as an All-American in 2011, which is a big honor for college players. After college, he was chosen by the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. He has also played for other NFL teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Miami Dolphins.

Early Life and High School Football

Melvin Ingram was born and grew up in Hamlet, North Carolina. He went to Richmond Senior High School in Rockingham, North Carolina. During his senior year, playing as a linebacker, he made 87 tackles. He also had 2.5 sacks, which means he tackled the opposing team's quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.

College Football Career

Melvin Ingram played college football at the University of South Carolina. He was part of the South Carolina Gamecocks football team from 2007 to 2011. He started as a linebacker for the Gamecocks. Later, he switched to playing as a defensive end, another important defensive position.

In 2010, when he was a junior, Melvin was the team leader with nine sacks. This showed how good he was at getting to the quarterback.

His senior year in 2011 was even better. He recorded 10 sacks and made 15 tackles for loss. He also caught two interceptions, which means he caught passes meant for the other team. Melvin even scored three touchdowns! Two of these touchdowns happened in a big game against Georgia. In that game, he ran 68 yards on a fake punt play for a touchdown. He also scored by returning a fumbled ball 5 yards for another touchdown. His amazing performance helped the Gamecocks defense become one of the best in the country. He was named to the first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) and was recognized as an All-American.

Professional NFL Career

Melvin Ingram was picked by the San Diego Chargers as the 18th player overall in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. This was a huge moment for him, marking the start of his professional career.

Playing for the Chargers

In his first year with the Chargers, Melvin played in all 16 games. He showed his skill by putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks 18 times. He also made 12 special teams tackles, which was tied for the most on the team.

In 2013, Melvin faced a challenge when he tore a ligament in his knee. This injury meant he missed most of the season. However, he worked hard to recover and was able to return to play later that year. In a game against the Oakland Raiders, he sacked their quarterback and forced a fumble. In a playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he got his first postseason interception. In 2015, he again strip-sacked a quarterback and recovered the ball.

In 2017, the Chargers kept Melvin by placing the franchise tag on him. This meant they could keep him for another year. Later, he signed a big four-year contract with the team. He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September 2017. He had 5.5 sacks that month, including three sacks in one game against the Chiefs. He finished the season with 10.5 sacks. After this great season, Melvin was chosen for his first Pro Bowl, which is an honor for top players. He was also ranked among the top 100 players in the NFL by his fellow players.

Before the 2018 season, Melvin was very confident about the Chargers' chances. He even predicted they would win the Super Bowl LIII. He believed in speaking goals into existence. However, the Chargers lost in the playoffs to the New England Patriots, who went on to win the Super Bowl. In 2019, he again predicted a Super Bowl win for the Chargers. He said they were "the team to beat in the NFL." Unfortunately, the team did not make the playoffs that year.

In 2020, Melvin had some knee injuries that kept him off the field for parts of the season.

Time with Other Teams

On July 20, 2021, Melvin Ingram signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played for them for part of the season.

Later in 2021, he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. He joined the Chiefs on November 2, 2021.

In 2022, the Miami Dolphins signed Melvin Ingram to a contract. He played for them during the 2022 season. In December 2023, the Dolphins signed him to their practice squad. He was then moved to the active roster in January 2024.

NFL Career Statistics

Melvin Ingram has had a strong career in the NFL. Here are some of his statistics: