The NFL is pulling out all the stops for to showcase its debut in Las Vegas, with an ESPN-on-ABC simulcast dialed up for Week 2’s “Monday Night Football” game between the Raiders and visiting New Orleans Saints. They want to be sure to no one misses this big achievement.
But the moment hasn’t resonated with Alvin Kamara. When asked whether the historical stakes of this game were on his mind, he pointed out that his town has lights bright enough to outshine any other.
“It’s a Monday night game, I guess,” Kamara said in a recent media conference call. “It’s a new stadium, but I play in New Orleans. So, I don’t really care about that. I’ve got an opponent to prepare for. I’m not really worried about the scenery or the venue.”
This sort of it’s-just-a-business-trip quote isn’t unusual by itself; if anything, it’s very on-brand for Kamara, known for his unflappable personality.
Some players might be distracted by getting to suit up for the first NFL game played in Las Vegas, at a new venue with as many bells and whistles as the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium. Especially young players who recently signed as hefty a contract extension as Kamara has. In a normal year, visiting Las Vegas would have too many attractions to count for someone in his position.
But Kamara isn’t a normal NFL player. He’s proven it on the field before, and he’s preparing to do it again in this game against the Raiders.
