From The Banner · Jonas Shaffer · · 3m
Justice Hill and Alvin Kamara's rare NFL bond
Two running backs who stayed with one team in an era when loyalty is extinct.
In brief
Two running backs who stayed with one team in an era when loyalty is extinct. Justice Hill's eight-year Ravens career is remarkable because running backs typically last 2.57 years in the NFL, making him and Alvin Kamara unusual fixtures in a league built on constant turnover. Originally reported by The Banner.
Two running backs, one rare path
Justice Hill and Alvin Kamara are the only two active NFL running backs who haven't changed teams since 2019. They meet Sunday when the Ravens host the Saints.
“I was like, 'Damn, that's actually insane,"”
Hill's unlikely eight-year career
Justice Hill was drafted in 2019 and has played his entire NFL career with Baltimore, appearing in 85 games. He's accumulated 1,273 rushing yards and 916 receiving yards.
Kamara's Hall of Fame trajectory
Alvin Kamara, 31, has been a New Orleans Saint since 2017. He's a five-time Pro Bowl selection with over 12,000 career yards from scrimmage.
Running backs rarely stay put
The average running back career lasts just 2.57 years, the lowest of any NFL position. Modern medicine has improved, but defenders have gotten faster and stronger too.
Hill almost didn't survive year three
Hill was drafted with a fourth-round pick from the Joe Flacco trade. Stuck behind Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, he had just 70 carries for 285 yards in 2019 and 2020.
The injury that nearly ended it
In the 2021 preseason finale, Hill tore his Achilles tendon in practice after J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending knee injury. Coach John Harbaugh had already told him he'd likely be cut.
“I didn't even know if I was going to make it past [Year] 3, 4”
From recovery to career highs
After missing 2021, Hill returned healthy and made the 53-man roster in 2022. In 2023 he set career highs with 84 carries and 387 rushing yards. In 2024 he had 42 catches for 383 receiving yards.
Hill's value beyond the stat sheet
Hill has never been a star, but his growth as a pass blocker, receiver and returner has kept him valuable. He's on his third Ravens contract with nearly $15 million in career earnings.
“He's as good a third-down back as there is in the league”
A connection through Mark Ingram
Hill has never met Kamara, but he's heard plenty of stories. Mark Ingram, who signed with the Ravens a month before Hill was drafted, was a close friend and teammate of Kamara's in New Orleans.
Hill's unlikely journey to Sunday
Hill modeled his game after Kamara in college. Now, eight years later, he's one of only two running backs in the NFL who've stayed with one team since 2019, a testament to patience and commitment.
“I would have took a $100 million bet and said I would not be here”
The bottom line
Justice Hill's eight-year Ravens career is remarkable because running backs typically last 2.57 years in the NFL, making him and Alvin Kamara unusual fixtures in a league built on constant turnover.
