The relentless engine of the gridiron: how Devin Singletary earned his nickname

The relentless engine of the gridiron: how Devin Singletary earned his nickname
Image: Intellect (generated)

In short: In the high-stakes world of professional football, few players possess the sheer durability and scoring prowess of Devin Singletary. Known as "Motor," the running back transitioned from a record-breaking collegiate career at Florida Atlantic to a prominent role in the NFL, proving that consistent production can overcome even the most crowded backfields.

Devin Singletary’s ascent began with a historic sophomore campaign at Florida Atlantic University in 2017. During that season, he dominated the Division I FBS landscape, leading all players with 32 rushing touchdowns and 33 total touchdowns. His performance was nothing short of prolific, as he amassed 1,920 rushing yards and 198 points, setting a single-season rushing record for the Owls.

His ability to find the end zone was a hallmark of his early career. In the 2017 Conference USA championship game against North Texas, he contributed 164 yards and three touchdowns, followed by another three touchdowns in the Boca Raton Bowl against Akron. This scoring streak helped him earn recognition as an Associated Press third-team All-American and a semifinalist for the prestigious Doak Walker Award.

Upon entering the NFL via the 2019 draft, Singletary was selected in the third round by the Buffalo Bills. Despite joining a veteran-heavy backfield featuring names like LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore, he quickly established himself. His professional journey has since taken him through the Houston Texans, where he recorded a career-high 150 rushing yards in a single game during the 2023 season, to the New York Giants, whom he joined on a three-year, $16.5 million contract in March 2024.

Beyond pure yardage, Singletary’s impact is measured by his versatility and explosive capability. During a 46-yard scoring play versus Miami, he hit 20.29 mph, and he also notched a 51-yard touchdown against Denver in 2020. Whether navigating heavy traffic or acting as a receiving threat, his career is defined by the steady, rhythmic production that earned him his moniker.

Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.

Sources

To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-devin-singletary.

How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

Finding something worth knowing…