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Darren Sproles News & Rumors

Saints have a running game, too — powered by Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory
January 12
Washington Post
 
"The statistics compiled by Drew Brees this season — NFL single-season records in passing yards (5,476) and completion percentage (71.2) chief among them — are impressive enough to distinguish the New Orleans Saints signal-caller even in the age of the quarterback. But Brees spent nearly one-fourth of his postgame news conference after Saturday's win commending an undrafted, injury-prone running back. He also reportedly helped recruit a 5-foot-6 quicksilver back — currently the NFL's shortest player — as a free agent last offseason. And he makes no secret of his appreciation for an undrafted power back whose college career ended at a Division II school."
Jimmy Graham, Darren Sproles make a rich New Orleans Saints offense even richer
January 5
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"After winning a Super Bowl, the challenge for most teams is keeping the core intact and avoiding a dropoff as key players age or become too expensive. The Saints' offense, however, has added firepower since its 2009 championship run, with tight end Jimmy Graham and tailback Darren Sproles emerging as two of the NFL's most dynamic players this season. In fact, the Saints have 26 players on their 53-man roster who weren't around during the Super Bowl season."
Darren Sproles' contributions tip the scales in favor of New Orleans Saints
December 19
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"It's always wise to keep things in perspective. On Sunday, while the 10-3 Saints were demolishing the 2-11 Minnesota Vikings, the 13-0 Green Bay Packers were losing dreams of a perfect season at the hands of the 5-8 Kansas City Chiefs. So what? Things happen. You figured the Saints would win, maybe not 42-20, but at least by a touchdown. On the other hand, you didn't figure the Packers, a two-touchdown favorite, would find a way to lose, even though they had virtually locked up a top seed in their bracket of the playoffs."
Darren Sproles doing it all for New Orleans Saints
October 7
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 columnist Mike Triplett
"Larry Sproles took one look at his 10-pound baby boy and said, "Man, he's a dag-gone tank." The name stuck. Although New Orleans Saints tailback Darren Sproles didn't grow beyond 5 feet 6 - which ties him with two others as the shortest players in the NFL - he has been known as "Tank" to family and friends throughout his life. Turns out the name was a perfect fit. The sneaky-strong 190-pounder, who was later dubbed "Mighty Mouse" at Kansas State, has wreaked havoc at every level of his football career. This isn't a "Little Engine That Could" story, quite the contrary. Larry said his son didn't used to get picked for teams during recess - but that was only because the other kids"
Saints' Darren Sproles quickly makes an impact
September 9
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Moments after the New Orleans Saints made the surprising move to trade running back/punt returner Reggie Bush to the Miami Dolphins in late July, the questions began in earnest. Who would be the Saints' playmaker out of the backfield? How would the team manage without Bush's pass catching? Where would they find another punt returner? Little did the questioners know at the time, the Saints already had a plan. They signed diminutive free agent running back/return man Darren Sproles hours later. Judging by Thursday night's 42-34 season opening loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, the move the Saints made already is paying dividends."
New Orleans Saints agree to 4-year deal with tailback Darren Sproles
July 29
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"The New Orleans Saints didn't waste time replacing departed tailback Reggie Bush. They agreed to a four-year deal with free agent tailback Darren Sproles worth $14 million with $6 million guaranteed. A league source confirmed the deal, which was originally reported by FOXSports.com's Alex Marvez. "The skill set that Reggie had was certainly unique. Darren may have a comparable skill set. That would be a pretty good comparison," Saints Coach Sean Payton said earlier Thursday before the deal was finalized -- though he insisted the team wasn't looking for a Plan B when it began pursuing Sproles. "I think (Sproles) is an exceptional talent. He is very versatile and dynamic." Although he is"
Sproles and Cadillac options for Rams at RB
May 23
Pro Football Weekly
 (scroll down)
"Chargers RB Darren Sproles remains the most frequently mentioned free-agent possibility in St. Louis as a change-of-pace backup to Rams RB Steven Jackson. But another attractive option generating some behind-the-scenes buzz at Rams Park is Cadillac Williams, who took on a new role this past season in Tampa Bay as an effective backup behind LeGarrette Blount. "Cadillac would be a perfect fit behind Jackson," one team insider said. "I hear he had no problem accepting a part-time role in Tampa. The one thing you have to wonder about, though, is whether the Bucs would really be willing to let a guy like that leave.""
Sproles' time as Bolts' lightning could be coming to close
January 1
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"We all remember the play - how Darren Sproles took the handoff, slipped through a tackle in the backfield, sprinted along the sideline, past two would-be tacklers and then through another pair of arms as he cut back inside and kept those little legs churning into the end zone to give the Chargers an overtime playoff victory against the Indianapolis Colts in January 2009. That play - which capped a night in which Sproles gained 328 all-purpose yards as a severe groin tear reduced LaDainian Tomlinson to a spectator -- is as good as any to capture Sproles' legacy as a Charger. Asked the one play in their time together that defined Sproles' ability to turn nil into thrill, though, Philip"
Sproles returns, shows he's got his head on straight
December 13
San Diego Union-Tribune
 columnist Tim Sullivan
"Darren Sproles was down, but not out. He remembers being temporarily dazed, but consistently conscious; more inconvenienced than incapacitated by his concussion. "It's your brain," the Chargers running back said Sunday afternoon. "You've only got one of them. So that's why they take it so seriously." Before he was allowed to suit up for Sunday's 31-0 splattering of the Kansas City Chiefs, Sproles was required to convince an independent neurologist that he was good enough to go. Having cleared that precautionary hurdle, Sproles then supplied his own emphatic second opinion with his most productive game of the season. Ain't that a kick in the head? Seven days after being sidelined by a"
Let Sproles earn big bucks
September 30
San Diego Union-Tribune
 columnist Nick Canepa
"We must refrain from saying Darren Sproles isn't earning his keep. This is more about the Chargers keeping him from earning it. Really now. The Chargers' running back isn't very big, but that doesn't mean he can be made invisible, that he has to disappear at times on the football field. Sproles is dangerous, and NFL teams must prepare for danger, be he 6-foot-6, which he isn't, or 5-foot-6, which he is. This is a high-caliber, expensive, full-metal jacket bullet the Chargers have in their bandolier that hasn't been used enough during their miserable 1-2 start. You don't fire blanks when you have Darren Sproles. Not that the protean running back is complaining publicly . That isn't his"
Sproles to sit
August 14
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Running back Darren Sproles will not play in Saturday night's preseason opener against the Chicago Bears due to a shoulder injury he sustained in Wednesday's practice. The injury is not believed to be serious. The team also confirmed that linebackers Larry English (foot) and Brandon Siler (ankle), center Scott Mruczkowski (ankle), safety Darrell Stuckey (groin) and offensive tackles Nick Richmond (knee) and Tra Thomas (knee) will miss the game. Linebacker Shawne Merriman, who reported to camp Friday, will practice for the first time Monday and head coach Norv Turner said he expects Merriman to play Aug. 21 against the Dallas Cowboys."
Darren Sproles signs contract tender with Chargers
April 3
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Chargers running back Darren Sproles has signed his one-year contract tender, worth $7.283 million for the 2010 season. Sproles was a restricted free agent with a first-and-third tender, meaning a team wishing to sign him would have had to give the Chargers draft choices in the first and third rounds. As the Chargers' franchise player last year Sproles earned about $6.6 million when he tied for third on the team with eight touchdowns. He rushed for 343 yards and caught 45 passes for 497 yards, and also served as the Chargers' kickoff and punt returner."
Chargers change mind on Sproles
March 5
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"After talking with numerous people inside and outside the Chargers over the past several hours, I would almost be willing to bet it is just as likely that Darren Sproles won't be here as that Jamal Williams will be here. What?! The Chargers decided to put the first-and-third tender on Sproles rather than risk losing him to free agency, and they released the soon-to-be-34-year-old Williams. But indications are that Sproles can still be had for the right deal -- and it won't take a one and a three. I don't know what it will take, but I hear there are teams willing to make a deal."
Chargers will keep Sproles; Jamal Williams cut
March 4
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Darren Sproles is staying. Jamal Williams is leaving. The Chargers changed their mind on Sproles, opting Thursday morning to place a first-and-third tender on the dynamic running back and kick returner. Williams, a Pro Bowl nose tackle who had been with the Chargers for 12 seasons, was released. He will be 34 next month, would have been owed a $1 million roster bonus and was scheduled to earn $5 million in 2010. He played in only one game last season due to a triceps injury suffered in the season opener. Also released was veteran running back Michael Bennett, who played sparingly in his year and a half with the Chargers."
Chargers likely to have new-look backfield in 2010 sans Tomlinson, Sproles
February 27
USA Today
 
"The San Diego Chargers' backfield makeover continues as the team is ready to show RB-KR Darren Sproles the door just days after cutting the cord with LaDainian Tomlinson. The Chargers opted not to tender Sproles a one-year, $7.3 million deal as a restricted free agent, meaning he's headed for the open market. He made $6.6 million as the team's franchise player in 2009."
Sproles free to join Tomlinson as ex-Bolt
February 27
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"The Chargers yesterday made the probable departure of Darren Sproles official. Not willing to pay him almost $7.3 million, they are not tendering the running back and will allow him to test the free-agent market. The Chargers have made it clear they want Sproles to give them a chance to sign him to a long-term deal, but others will get a chance first. "Darren doesn't have a lot of wear on him and is in high demand," said Gary Wichard, Sproles' agent. "It's a very attractive situation." Having released LaDainian Tomlinson on Monday, the Chargers face the possibility they will have an entirely new backfield. "Our hope is to have Darren back," head coach Norv Turner said. "You start from"
Source: Chargers do not tender Sproles
February 26
ESPN.com
 
"For the second time in a week, a major turnover has affected the San Diego's backfield. In the same week the Chargers decided to release running back LaDainian Tomlinson, they also opted not to tender running back Darren Sproles, freeing him to leave the team in free agency without any compensation, said a source close to the situation. Had the Chargers wanted to retain Sproles' rights, they would have had to tender him with an offer of nearly $7.3 million for the coming season by March 4. But San Diego deemed that price too high, giving its running back the chance to test free agency. San Diego still would like to re-sign him, and it could, but it will face competition from other teams."
Sproles next?
February 24
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Darren Sproles could well follow LaDainian Tomlinson out the door and will at least be given the chance to do so. The Chargers remain interested in signing their kick returner and backup running back to a long-term deal, but they won't be retaining his services on a one-year basis as they did in 2009. As the franchise player last year, Sproles made slightly more than $6.6 million last season. Because he would be entitled to a 10 percent increase in 2010, that means the Chargers will have to pay him almost $7.3 million for one year if they give him a tender as a restricted free agent."
Mighty Mouse has become a big cheese
January 17
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Running back/kick returner Darren Sproles, who was dubbed "Mighty Mouse" at Kansas State, adds an extra dimension to the Chargers offense with his explosive speed. Here he comes to save the day. Dazzling and diminutive, Darren Sproles is lightning in a bottle cap, mayhem in miniature, the small wonder of the San Diego Chargers. "He did that pose after a couple of scores," Norv Turner recalled. "And I said, 'You look like Mighty Mouse.' And he said, 'Well, coach, that's what they called me at Kansas State.' And I told my kids about it and they went on YouTube. They had never seen the cartoon. It's before their time. Obviously, everyone watched Mighty Mouse in our generation." Strange as it"
New York Jets planning special effort to stop Darren Sproles
January 15
New York Daily News
 
"Jets special teamer Wallace Wright doesn't care who wins the coin toss before Sunday's AFC divisional playoff game. As long as the Jets kick off. Wright will be looking for 43, the uniform number of Darren Sproles, the Chargers' electric return man. "Absolutely," he said. "On this big stage, oh yeah." "I know we've had Leon (Washington) back there and Brad (Smith) now. I know they can run touchdowns back at any time, but when I'm ready to go, I want to hit somebody. Kickoff, that sets the tone. When you kick off and the other team doesn't get anything, that sets the tone for the game." In this case, special teams might even win - or lose - the game. The Chargers special teams have elite"
Jets stay wary of explosive Sproles
January 15
New York Post
 
"While scouting the Chargers in preparation for Sunday's divisional playoff game, Jets coach Rex Ryan had a revelation: San Diego's Darren Sproles is a game-changing player. "It's funny, because I guess I never realized how exceptional he was until you really start watching tape," Ryan said, "and you're like, 'Oh, whoa.' He's special. There is no doubt." Stopping Sproles, the Chargers' electrifying running back, receiver and returner who's all that despite standing just 5-6, is a big key for the Jets. Ryan compared Sproles to Jets all-purpose back Leon Washington, so who better than the injured Washington to talk about what Sproles can do? "He scares me," Washington said. "I'm a fan now, so"
LT still spry, thanks to Sproles
December 29
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Darren Sproles, a 5-foot-6 Hercules known to his family and friends as Tank, might prove to be more valuable to the Chargers this season than even his NFL-leading 2,279 all-purpose yards would suggest. LaDainian Tomlinson, with an essentially inconsequential game to still survive, is looking forward to going into this postseason strong. For that, LT can thank his head coach and their little buddy. "Obviously I haven't taken a lot of shots (this season) like I usually take," Tomlinson said. "So I think it helped me." With what certainly will be less than a full game yet to play on Sunday against the Washington Redskins, Tomlinson is virtually certain to finish this season with fewer carries"
Return unit's goal: spring Sproles
December 15
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"As of last week, Darren Sproles was the leading vote-getter among fans to be the AFC's kick returner in the Pro Bowl. The Chargers would like him to be able to continue to earn that spot. "We've got one of the best returners in the league and we're not giving him the opportunity to change games for us," head coach Norv Turner said. "That's going to be a big point of emphasis for us, getting back to making sure we give Darren a chance in the return game, that we keep people off him and give him room to work." Sproles has fallen to 17th in the NFL in punt return average (8.2 yards) and 18th in kickoff return average (23.7 yards). Over the last seven games (13 returns), he has just three punt"
Sproles' happy homecoming
October 26
Kansas City Star
 
"Former Kansas State and Olathe North star Darren Sproles had reached the end zone at Arrowhead Stadium in the Big 12 championship game win over Oklahoma, but his 58-yard touchdown reception was his first at Arrowhead in four appearances with the Chargers. "You dream of that as a kid when you grow up here," Sproles said, "so it felt real good to finally get a score here." The Chargers caught the Chiefs in a blitz, and Sproles, as the hot receiver, caught the ball at the 30. He put a move on Chiefs safety Jon McGraw, a former K-State teammate, and outran McGraw and Brandon Carr to the end zone."
Chargers' Sproles a headache for defenders
October 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Tackling running back Brandon Jacobs of the New York Giants, who is 6-foot-4 and weighs 264 pounds, may be like knocking down a run-away piano. But Steelers safety Ryan Clark would opt to stop Jacobs rather than Chargers' running back Darren Sproles, the smallest man in the NFL at 5-6 and 185 pounds. Sproles can embarrass would-be tacklers. "With guys like Sproles, you never know," Clark said. "One minute they're right in front of you, and then they're three, four yards away with one cut. It is extremely hard to play against those guys." The Steelers and Chargers will both rely on average-sized men when they clash tonight at Heinz Field. For the Steelers, rookie return specialist Stefan"
Chargers' Sproles a headache for defenders
October 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Tackling running back Brandon Jacobs of the New York Giants, who is 6-foot-4 and weighs 264 pounds, may be like knocking down a run-away piano. But Steelers safety Ryan Clark would opt to stop Jacobs rather than Chargers' running back Darren Sproles, the smallest man in the NFL at 5-6 and 185 pounds. Sproles can embarrass would-be tacklers. "With guys like Sproles, you never know," Clark said. "One minute they're right in front of you, and then they're three, four yards away with one cut. It is extremely hard to play against those guys.""
LaDanian Tomlinson Seems Destined to Miss his Second Straight Game
September 25
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Darren Sproles has been in the NFL since 2005. He's played in 53 games, including the postseason. Remarkably, more than 10 percent of his career touches have come in the first two games of this season. And while Chargers head coach Norv Turner wouldn't want to wear out his dynamo in this manner over a full season, he is going to ride Sproles while he can and while he has to. LaDainian Tomlinson missed practice again yesterday and seems destined to miss his second straight game Sunday, so Sproles and Michael Bennett will be the tailbacks against Miami."
Sproles more sore, but workload doesn't worry Turner
September 25
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Darren Sproles has been in the NFL since 2005. He's played in 53 games, including the postseason. Remarkably, more than 10 percent of his career touches have come in the first two games of this season. And while Chargers head coach Norv Turner wouldn't want to wear out his dynamo in this manner over a full season, he is going to ride Sproles while he can and while he has to."