• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Join us May 14 at 1 p.m. ET for Future of Sports: Leagues of Their Own Register Now

The NFL Star Who Doesn’t Spend His Salary

  • Saints running back Alvin Kamara does not spend money from his NFL salary, only his endorsement deals.
  • He recently signed a 5-year, $75 million deal with New Orleans.
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints has earned $18.7 million from his NFL contracts. How much has he spent so far? Nothing. 

The running back said that he only spends money from his endorsement deals and hasn’t touched anything from his NFL contracts, during an interview on Kneading Dough, a show produced by Uninterrupted. 

“I’m like, ‘OK, this is more than I’ve ever had. My mom ain’t never had this much,’” Kamara said. “It would be a shame if I got this and lost it.” 

Kamara was influenced by growing up with a single mom, two siblings, and little cash to spare. “I’m gonna keep doing the same thing I’ve been doing — [buying] what I need, and that’s it. I’m not about to go over the top, I’m not gonna live beyond my means,” he said.

Though Kamara gets his spending cash from his endorsement deals, he’s selective with them: “All the brands that I work with I can call directly and talk to a CEO or somebody high up and have a regular conversation with them.”

The NFL star said that material possessions were never a real source of happiness for him, especially compared to his philanthropic work in New Orleans.

“A lot of [charitable] things that I do, no one really knows that I’m behind it — besides the couple of people that need to know. It’s what makes me happy, knowing that I was able to help somebody.”

Kamara’s savings account is about to get a lot larger. In September, the Saints inked him to a 5-year, $75 million deal.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL’s World Takeover: League Unveils 7 Matchups Across 5 Countries in 2025

The NFL’s 2025 global games will span five countries across two continents.
Charissa Thompson handling Amazon's Thursday Night Football coverage with panel of former NFL players 

Amazon Bets Big on Black Friday With NFL-NBA Tripleheader

An NFL game to be followed by a primetime NBA doubleheader.

Super Bowl, NBA, Olympics Drive NBC Toward Billion-Dollar February

NBC touts its historic confluence of NFL, NBA, and Olympic content.
exclusive

ESPN Extends Chris Berman’s Contract Through 50th Year, First Super Bowl

Berman joined ESPN a month after its launch in 1979.

Featured Today

Apr 18, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal vs Grand Canyon University Antelopes during the MPSF Men's Volleyball Championship at Galen Center.
May 10, 2025

‘What Just Happened’: Inside the Abrupt End of Grand Canyon Men’s Volleyball

Inside Grand Canyon’s shocking decision to cut men’s volleyball.
Mar 26, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Actor and filmmaker Spike Lee (l) greets former professional boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. during the game between the LA Clippers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
May 9, 2025

‘Friends of the Garden’: Inside the NBA’s Most Exclusive Celebrity Suite

“Among the titans of industry, deals are done at Suite 200.”
exclusive
May 9, 2025

Shams Charania on Draft, Breaking Dončić Trade, ‘Whirlwind’ ESPN Tenure

Charania will work on his first NBA draft lottery for ESPN on Monday.
Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) defends during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Giannis Antetokounmpo ‘Open-Minded’ to Leaving Bucks: Report

The Bucks star has spent his entire 12-year career with the organization.
May 10, 2025

Derek Carr Retires With Nearly $200M in NFL Earnings

The 11-year NFL quarterback stunned social media with his unexpected retirement.
May 11, 2025

Cooper Flagg Could Deliver NBA’s Next Ratings Surge to Lottery Winner

Flagg could have a similar effect as Victor Wembanyama.
Sponsored

Fighting for Clarity: Inside UFC’s New Partnership With Total Wireless

UFC teams with Total Wireless in a no-frills partnership built for today’s mobile-first, value-driven fanbase.
May 9, 2025

Paige Bueckers Dispels Doubts, Praises Dallas Wings Organization

The Wings selected Bueckers with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft.
May 8, 2025

Stars’ $96M Rantanen Bet Paying Off Big at Other Teams’ Expense

Rantanen was traded by Colorado after not agreeing to a contract extension.
Sue Bird
May 7, 2025

USA Basketball Moving Women to Men’s Model Under Sue Bird

The move marks a major change for USA Basketball’s women’s operations. 
Tyrese Haliburton
May 7, 2025

Tyrese Haliburton ‘Gladly’ Taking Fine for Game-Winner Celebration

Haliburton hit his second game-winner in the past three games Tuesday.