Alvin Kamara made his season debut in Week 2, helping the New Orleans Saints upset the Baltimore Ravens, 24-17, at M&T Bank Stadium. Kamara missed their season opener against the Detroit Lions while recovering from an MCL injury.

But after feeling great in the lead-up to their clash with the Ravens, the veteran star made his much-anticipated return. He had nine carries for 15 yards. He also tallied five receptions for seven yards.

The 31-year-old running back is still trying to regain his rhythm and timing, and working hard in practice is a must. Kamara improved his work ethic after then-coach Sean Payton called him out for coasting and having the “tendency to get bored.” Payton shared the story on “Coach 2 Coach Podcast,” and Kamara confirmed it.

“True story. Sean would challenge all of us. The question about being coached hard was rhetorical because he was gonna do that anyway. He was a lot tougher on me though because he knew things came easy to me and I got bored,” wrote Kamara on X.

“It didn't bother me at all because we'd go back and forth talking s***. He always knew when it was time to lock in. I was ready though. Forever grateful for you, brutha.”

True story. Sean would challenge all of us. The question about being coached hard was rhetorical because he was gonna do that anyways. He was a lot tougher on me though because he knew things came easy to me and I got bored. Didn’t bother me at all because we’d go back and forth… https://t.co/vklGf0mUMk

— Alvin Kamara (@A_kamara6) September 23, 2026

Kamara had his best years under Payton's tutelage, becoming a two-time All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowler. He also set multiple records, including the most rushing touchdowns in a game with six and the most points scored in a game with 36.

Payton taught Kamara how to set high standards for himself, and he has applied the powerful lesson to this day, possibly even passing it to his younger teammates.

He has embraced his leadership on the Saints, another attribute that Payton helped him develop.

New Orleans will face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.