Darren Sproles (2021) - K-State Athletics Hall of Fame

Darren Sproles

Induction:
2021
Class:
2004

Arguably the greatest running back ever to play at K-State, Darren Sproles revolutionized the idea of size equals ability. The 5-7 running back dominated at all levels, becoming a three-time All-American while with the Wildcats. In 2003, Sproles was tabbed 1^st-tm All-American, finished 5^th in the Heisman voting, and 3^rd in the voting for AP Player of the Year, all while helping the Wildcats upset #1 Oklahoma en route to their first Big 12 title. Sproles still holds numerous school records including rushing yardage in a single season with 1,986 yards and in a career with 4,979 yards. A gifted returner, Sproles also still holds all-purpose yardage school records for a single season and in a career. A 4^th round pick by San Diego in 2005, Sproles became an instant fan favorite, eventually setting the Chargers franchise record for career kickoff return yards. A few years later in 2011 with the Saints, Sproles set the franchise and NFL single season record for all-purpose yardage at 2,696 yards. Sproles earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2015 after leading the NFL in yards per punt return while with the Eagles and went on to earn three Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors in his 15-year NFL career. Sproles retired in 2019 ranking 5^th on the NFL’s career all-purpose yardage list with 19,696 yards. A Super Bowl winner with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017 and a member of the San Diego Chargers 50^th anniversary team, Sproles was also named to the NFL’s All-Decade team for the 2010 era and placed in K-State football’s Ring of Honor in 2015.