Darren Sproles: 'This Is An NFL Offense'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Darren Sproles is usually one of the last players to leave the practice field. It's been that way since he was 10 years old. The veteran mighty mite who's entering his 12th NFL season, and is a borderline Hall of Famer, says he's happy he's going to conclude his career with the Eagles.
He turned 33 on June 20, and he continues to defy the odds at a listed 5-foot-6, 190 pounds. He leads the NFL with 16,207 all-purpose yards since 2007 and is second among all active players with 17,903 all-purpose yards, trailing only Baltimore's Steve Smith Jr.
On July 29, the Eagles signed Sproles to a one-year contract extension. It may be the last contract of his distinguished NFL career.
"I'm really happy," Sproles said. "This is a little different this year. We have a lot of formations and we're putting a lot of people in different spots and keeping a defense on this toes. We'll see if that means more touches for me. This offense is more the kind of offense that I'm used to, coming from San Diego, and coming from the Saints. This is an NFL offense.
"The only thing that's different is the terminology."
Sproles won't admit it—nor his humility prevents him from thinking about it, but his career, with a little boost this season and next, is of Hall of Fame consideration.
Related: Darren Sproles: 'I'm Not Getting Enough Chances'
His nine career return for TDs [seven punts, two kickoffs] ranks 6th all-time and is tied for second among active NFL players (tied with Jacoby Jones and behind Devin Hester's 19). His seven career punt return scores are tied for 7th all-time in NFL history.
Since 2007, Sproles has led all NFL running backs in receiving touchdowns (28) and receiving yards (4,146), while ranking second in receptions (470). Sproles is one of four players in NFL history with at least two games with both a punt return for a touchdown and a rushing touchdown, joining NFL Hall of Famer Gale Sayers, Ockie Anderson and Curly Oden.
While with the Saints, his 15 catches for 115 yards in an NFC Divisional playoff game on January 14, 2012, against San Francisco is still an NFL postseason record (the Saints lost, 36-32).
"I really don't think about the Hall of Fame," Sproles said. "I want to win a Super Bowl before I retire. If I make the Hall of Fame one day would be a blessing. It would be eat to be included with all of those greats. But it's not on my mind. I want to win games. We haven't been to the playoffs in two years and I want to change that. I feel good. I can't wait to go."
