Saints Hall of Fame adds two inductees in 2026

Terron Armstead and Mark Ingram joined the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame on Friday. The ceremony took place at Chateau Country Club in Kenner. The two players were inducted during a luncheon event.

Armstead and Ingram have distinct backgrounds. Ingram is 5 feet 9 inches tall and arrived in New Orleans as a Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama. Armstead stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and played college football at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Both grew up in the Midwest before playing in the South and signing with the Saints.

Their professional timelines overlapped but ended at different times. Ingram finished his NFL career in 2022. That was the second year of his second stint with the team. Armstead played his final season in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins. He had last played for the Saints in 2021.

The organization moved quickly to honor them. They were inducted as soon as they became eligible. Armstead noted the speed of the process in a statement. He said being inducted a year and a half after leaving the game showed how much the organization valued his contributions to the city and team. He called it a very special induction.

Ingram could not attend the Friday luncheon due to his work as a college football analyst for Fox. He submitted a video message instead. In the video, he thanked the organization and fans. He said being inducted alongside Armstead made the honor more special. He credited Armstead for holding down the left side of the line throughout their playing days.

Ingram left the Saints as the franchise's all-time rushing leader. He was later surpassed by Alvin Kamara. Armstead was a key part of that success as a dominant left tackle. Armstead ran a 4.71 40-yard dash at the 2013 NFL combine. That time remains the fastest ever recorded for an offensive lineman.

Both players faced early struggles. Ingram thanked head coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis for sticking with him when things were not easy. Armstead, a third-round pick, did not start his first game until the next-to-last game of his rookie season. He said he always wanted to prove himself and earn his spot every summer.

Former punter Thomas Morstead attended the ceremony during his bye week with the Tennessee Titans. He described them as two of the best teammates he had ever known. He noted that they are close friends and it is cool to see them go in together.

Ingram, Armstead, and Sal LaRock will be honored at halftime on Sunday. LaRock has worked at the Caesars Superdome since 1998. He is the recipient of the Joe Gemelli Fleur De Lis Award for his devotion to the team. The Saints will play the Browns that day.

Both men now work in television. Armstead said he represents the black and gold on TV. He stated he will forever be a Saint.