Tennessee football’s top 10 NFL players of 2010s

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 8: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos throws a pass during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Sports Authority Field Field at Mile High on December 8, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Titans 51-28. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 8: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos throws a pass during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Sports Authority Field Field at Mile High on December 8, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Titans 51-28. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
2 of 12
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

10. Alvin Kamara

Running Back (2017-2019)

Teams played for:

  • New Orleans Saints (2017-2019)

Accolades:

  • Second-team All-Pro (2017)
  • Three Pro Bowls (2017-2019)
  • Rookie of the Year (2017)

Spoiler alert: Alvin Kamara has had the shortest NFL career of anybody on here. However, his pro production has been insane and worthy of making the list. It’s still crazy that he fell to the third round of the NFL Draft.

The second Kamara got to the pros, it was clear that he was drastically underused during his two years with Tennessee football. Of course, Butch Jones was fired later that year, and the proof of Kamara being underused was just more evidence that he needed to go.

Anyway, Kamara immediately revived the Saints and Drew Brees’ offense. In just three years, he has rushed for 2,408 yards and gained 2,068 receiving yards, averaging five yards a carry and 1,492 yards a year.  The guy has filled a void that Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles once left in New Orleans, and he’s had the franchise knocking on the door for a Super Bowl each year.

Becoming a Pro Bowler all three years he has played in the league has to count for something, and it’s a huge reason for him being on this list. Kamara had a bit of a drop-off this year, so we’ll have to see if he can keep up this elite play, which can be hard for running backs. But as an all-purpose back, he should have plenty of years left in him.