Chris Ivory
A hard-nosed running back who carved out a long NFL career with a punishing, tackle-breaking style after going undrafted.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American football player·Birthday: March 22·Millennials
Biography
Chris Ivory's path to the NFL was anything but straightforward, a testament to pure, unadulterated physical will. Undrafted out of Tiffin University, he clawed his way onto the New Orleans Saints roster, immediately standing out not for breakaway speed but for a violent, confrontational running style. He didn't avoid contact; he sought it, often dragging defenders for extra yards. A trade to the New York Jets unlocked his potential, giving him the lead role his talent demanded. In 2015, he powered through defenses to earn a Pro Bowl selection, embodying the workhorse, ground-and-pound identity the team embraced. Though injuries later tempered his production, Ivory's career is a blueprint for persistence, proving that a player who delivers punishment as readily as he takes it can forge a lasting place in the league.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Chris was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Chris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2015 as a member of the New York Jets after a 1,000-yard rushing season.
- Rushed for over 1,000 yards in a season for the Jets, establishing himself as their primary offensive weapon.
- Maintained a career average of over 4.0 yards per carry despite his physical, between-the-tackles running style.
- Played eight seasons in the NFL as an undrafted free agent, a significant achievement in itself.
Did You Know?
He played college football at Washington State before finishing his career at Division II Tiffin University.
In his rookie season with the Saints, he averaged an impressive 5.2 yards per carry.
He was known for having one of the most physically demanding running styles in the league during his peak.
“I run hard. That's my style. I'm going to get those tough yards.”
