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Darren Sproles

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Darren Sproles

Darren Sproles was nicknamed “The Lightning Bug” and it was an absolute joy to watch the 5’ 6” Running Back frustrate opposing tacklers on a weekly basis. 

Drafted by the San Diego Chargers, Sproles began his pro career exactly where you would expect as Return Specialist.  After having to take the 2006 season off due to an ankle injury Sproles returned to his usual role but was integrated more into the offense and in 2008 he would have over 2,200 All-Purpose Yards, a mark he would hit in his next two seasons with San Diego.   New Orleans would sign him in 2011 and he would have a career-high 2,696 All-Purpose Yards, which led the National Football League.  With New Orleans, he would be used more as a receiver where in all three seasons as a Saint he had more than 70 catches. 

The Philadelphia Eagles then signed him and while he was used less on offense but more on Punt Returns where he would go to three Pro Bowls and was the two-time leader in Punt Return Yards.  He would be a member of their Super Bowl (LII) winning team but he did not play due to injury.

At the time of Sproles retirement, he was 6th all-time in All-Purpose Yards with 19,696.  He is not likely to get into the Hall of Fame but this was a game-changing player who we hope is never forgotten.

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Waterloo, Iowa, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Monday, 01 January 2024
  • Position: Kick Returner, Punt Returner, Running Back
  • Played For: New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers
  • Drafted: 4th Round, 130th Overall in 2005
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    Second Team All-Pro (2014)
    Pro Bowl (2014, 2015 & 2016)
    Most All-Purpose Yards (2011)
    Most Punt Returns (2014)
    Most Punt Return Yards (2014 & 2015)
    Most Yards per Punt Return (2014)
    Super Bowl Rings (1) (Philadelphia Eagles LII)

  • Other Points of Note:

    Top Ten Finishes: Receptions (1) (2011)
    Top Ten Finishes: All-Purpose Yards (4) (2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011)
    Top Ten Finishes: Kick Returns (5) (2005, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011)
    Top Ten Finishes: Kick Return Yards (5) (2005, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011)
    Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Kick Return (3) (2007, 2008 & 2011)
    Top Ten Finishes: Punt Returns (2) (2014 & 2015)
    Top Ten Finishes: Punt Return Yards (2) (2014 & 2015)
    Top Ten Finishes: Returns (5) (2005, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011)
    Top Ten Finishes: Return Yards (5) (2005, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011)

  • Notable All Time Rankings: 6. All-Purpose Yards: 19,696
    6. Returns: 643 
    7. Return Yards: 11,313 
    7. Punt Returns: 311
    8. Kick Return Yards: 8,352
    9. Kick Returns: 332
    13. Punt Return Yards: 2,961 
    57. Yards per Kick Return: 25.2

Should Darren Sproles be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 61.5%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 38.5%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%
Last modified on Saturday, 02 January 2021 15:13
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