Kamara’s 6 TDs tie NFL record
NEW ORLEANS — Alvin Kamara expects a fine for wearing a pair of Christmas-themed shoes that, as it turned out, would also be worthy of a Hall of Fame display.
With a red shoe on his right foot and a green one on his left, Kamara tied an NFL record set in 1929 by running for six touchdowns in a game. He finished with a career-high 155 yards rushing tohelpNewOrleans(11-4)beat theMinnesota Vikings 52-33 on Friday and clinch a fourth straight NFC South title.
“It just feels good to have one of those days, just for the team,” Kamara said, showering credit on the offensive line and insisting that he did “the small part.”
“I’m not focused on personal, like, goals and yards and stuff like that,“Kamara continued. “As long as the team has success, then personal success will come.”
And it has come all season for Kamara, who during training camp signed a fiveyear contract worth up to $ 75 million. He has since set Saints records for rushing TDs in a season with 16 and total TDs with 21 (he has five receiving).
As forwearing shoes that didn’t conform to the NFL’s uniform codes, Kamara said, “If they fine me, whatever it is, I’ll just match it and donate to charity. You know, the Grinch always tries to steal Christmas.”
Kamara slipped a couple tackle attempts and then sprinted into the clear for a 40-yard touchdown on the game’s opening drive.
He added scoring runs of 1, 5, 6, 7 and 3 yards against a Minnesota defensive front hit hardby injuries, andequaled Hall of Fame fullback Ernie Nevers’ achievement.
Minnesota (6-9) was eliminated fromplayoff contentionwhile allowing the most points by any Vikings team since 1963.
“They just mashed us up front,” VikingscoachMikeZimmer said, calling his defense “theworst one I’ve ever had“as a coach. “We couldn’t slow themdown. Itwouldbe8-yard gain, 7-yard gain.”