Alvin Kamara’s touchdown run into the tunnel was even cooler than you realize

In a fair and just world, Alvin Kamara would be in the early conversation for NFL MVP.

All he did this week was set career highs with three rushing touchdowns and 134 rushing yards in Saints’ 33-18 win against the Giants this week. But it’s his last touchdown, a 49-yard run to the right side that we need to talk about today.

Here’s another look at the play.

The Giants scored on the drive before this one to pull within eight points with just under four minutes left in regulation. Six plays later, Eli Manning and Co. were buried, on their way to loss number three.

Kamara’s gone before the defense even realizes it. There’s a blur of lead blockers and BLOOP out pops Kamara on his way to the end zone, easily breaking free from the one guy who had a chance to tackle him.

But he does not stop in the end zone. He goes right into the tunnel and into the locker room, done for the day. And really, what else was left for him to do? He racked up 102 yards in the second half and scored all three of his touchdowns to power the Saints’ win.

True to form, this gave people something to be mad about online ... like literally everything else no matter how innocuous it may be. The man has no time for hate though, and this was his high road response.

Kamara’s run into the tunnel needs a little context, because it’s a pretty time-honored tradition.

Bo Jackson famously did it during his rookie season after a 91-yard touchdown run in Seattle. If you don’t love Bo Jackson, I’m not sure that we can ever be friends.

Running into the tunnel has even more significance against the Giants. In the 1989 NFC Division round game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Giants, Rams receiver Flipper Anderson caught a game-winning, 30-yard touchdown pass in overtime. He kept right on going into the tunnel and to the locker room too.

I haven’t seen Kamara directly acknowledging Bo or Flipper Anderson’s tunnel runs. He was too busy praising his teammates after Sunday’s win.

Give this man the award, all of the awards.