K-State Football: Best NFL Careers All-Time

Best Wildcats to Play in the NFL – Number 4: Darren Sproles

NFL return specialist from 2005-2017

Darren Sproles was still doing his thing in the NFL through 2017, and he got his start at Kansas State University, where he played collegiately from 2001-2004.

During his junior season in 2003, Sproles rushed for just under 2,000 yards on 306 carries. He had 16 touchdowns that season, and ended his college career 45 total rushing scores.

Sproles has never been a career starter during his decade long NFL career, but he’s shown that he has a knack as a return man.

Sproles went in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft to the San Diego Chargers and spent five years there before heading to the Big Easy for three seasons. Sproles was controversially traded to the Eagles before the 2014 season, and showed up in a big way, returning two punts for touchdowns and making it to his first Pro Bowl.

Overall, Sproles was typically used as a return man during his decade plus career in the pros. He amassed 2,792 punt return yards and ran it all the way back seven times. He also had 8,350 kick return yards and took two back for scores.

Sproles was never really a career starter during his decade long NFL career, but he showed that he had a knack as a return man. He was injured early on in the 2017 season, so he didn’t play in the Eagles’ Super Bowl, but he still received a ring. Sproles planned to retire prior to the season, but with his injury keeping his season short, perhaps he’ll return for one last go of it.

Regardless, he’s fourth on this list.

Next: Number 3