Back to search

Darren Sproles

Running Back

Daren Lee Sproles

Inducted 2021

Date of Birth

6/20/1983

Birthplace

Waterloo, IA

School

Kansas State University (2001-2004)

Bio

One of the most electric and prolific runners in college football history, Darren Sproles ranks as Kansas State's all-time leading rusher, holding more than 20 school and conference records. The Olathe, Kansas native is the third Wildcat player in the College Football Hall of Fame. A First Team All-American in 2003, Sproles finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting after leading the nation with 1,986 rushing yards. A three-time All-Big 12 performer, he earned first team honors in 2003 and 2004 and second team accolades in 2002. Sproles led K-State to the Big 12 title in 2003, its first conference title since 1934. He posted 345 all-purpose yards, catching a 60-yd touchdown pass and rushing for a Big 12 Championship Game record 235 yards in an upset win over No. 1 Oklahoma. One of three finalists for the 2003 AP Player of the Year, he earned Honorable Mention All-America honors in 2002, and he led the FBS in all-purpose yards (2,067) in 2004. The 2003 Doak Walker Award finalist led the Wildcats to three postseason berths, including a win in the 2002 Holiday Bowl, and two top-15 finishes in 2002 (No. 7) and 2003 (No. 14). Playing for College Football Hall of Fame Coach Bill Snyder, Sproles finished his career 11th all-time in rushing and sixth all-time in all-purpose yards in NCAA history. A member of the K-State Football Ring of Honor, he left Manhattan with 28 single-game, single-season or career records, 21 of which are still standing. The senior team captain boasts program career records for rushing yards (4,979), all-purpose yards (6,812), rushing attempts (815), rushing yards per carry (6.11), 100-yard rushing games (24) and consecutive 100-yard rushing games (10). Sproles still holds three of the top five single-season rushing performances in school history, including the top mark of 1,986 in 2003. His 2,735 all-purpose yards in 2003 are a Big 12 and K-State single-season record, and he also holds conference records for career 100-yard games and career all-purpose yards. A fourth-round pick by the San Diego Chargers in the 2005 NFL Draft, Sproles played 15 seasons in the league with the Chargers (2005-10), New Orleans Saints (2011-13) and Philadelphia Eagles (2014-19). The three-time Pro Bowl selection was a member of the Eagles team that won Super Bowl LII. Currently ranked sixth in NFL history with 19,696 all-purpose yards, Sproles set the single-season league record with 2,696 in 2011. Giving back to the community, Sproles has funded football and life skills camps for at-risk youth in Kansas and San Diego. He also helped a family in New Orleans rebuild their home. Sproles currently works as a personnel consultant for the Eagles.

Stats

Height 5'7"

Weight 180

Career Highlights

  • 2003 All-Conference
  • 2003 First-Team All-America
  • 2003 Heisman - Fifth
Icon Tickets
Tickets

Secure your tickets now and be apart of the legacy. Don’t miss the chance to experience greatness firsthand!

Icon Membership
Membership

Unlock exclusive access and be part of something legendary. Join our community and enjoy premium benefits today!

Icon Shop
Shop

Take a piece of greatness home. Shop our exclusive collection of themed items and preserve the legacy in your own way!