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Darren McFadden Says He Was Mistaken for Mark Ingram in Viral Social Media Post

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVNovember 13, 2024

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 1:  Darren McFadden #20 of the Dallas Cowboys who is not dressed out helps the team warm up before a preseason game against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium on September 1, 2016 in Arlington, Texas.  The Texans defeated the Cowboys 28-17.  (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

One football fan either has the worst facial recognition abilities or really wanted to troll former Arkansas and NFL running back Darren McFadden.

The retired ball-carrier posted Tuesday on X that he had been mistaken for 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram:

Darren McFadden @dmcfadden20

Out with family and was asked for a pic with his favorite RB. He proceeded to yell "Role Tide, I loved you on the Saints"When do I say I'm not Mark Ingram…..

Ingram joked that he was "honored":

Mark Ingram II @markingramII

Wild bidness 😂😂😂 but I'm honored OG you was one of the realist 🫡💪🏾 <a href="https://t.co/yhfM00h29Y">https://t.co/yhfM00h29Y</a>

The two didn't overlap at all in college. McFadden starred with the Razorbacks from 2005-07, while Ingram was with Alabama from 2008-10.

There isn't much physical resemblance, either. Pro Football Reference lists McFadden at 6'1" and 220 pounds compared to 5'9" and 215 pounds for Ingram. That's quite the difference between their respective physiques.

If nothing else, this has provided us with another excuse to talk about McFadden, and that's never a bad thing.

The 37-year-old was the Heisman runner-up in 2006 and 2007, and he finished his college career with 4,955 yards from scrimmage and 43 touchdowns. His 4,590 yards and 41 scores on the ground are both the most in Arkansas history.

McFadden didn't go on to have a decorated NFL run. He stayed in the league for 10 seasons but didn't make the Pro Bowl and only twice eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards.

Bring up McFadden's name to college football fans of a certain vintage, though, and you'll quickly come to realize the impression he left.