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When the Philadelphia Eagles placed Darren Sproles on injured reserve back in mid-November, there was thought the 36-year-old’s football career was over ... for real, this time. The Eagles have now confirmed Sproles will be walking away from the NFL after the 2019 season:
Following the 2019 season, @DarrenSproles will retire from professional football. pic.twitter.com/zedaRF0866
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 21, 2019
“To Eagles fans everywhere, I want to thank you for the way you supported me every single day. I could feel it. You made my time here special.”#FlyEaglesFly
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 21, 2019
Eagles fans ultimately grew tired of the team’s over-reliance on the veteran running back but that shouldn’t overshadow what was a remarkable career.
Sproles is leaving the game with the following achievements:
- Super Bowl LII ring
- Three-time Pro Bowl honors
- Two-time first-team All Pro Honors
- 732 rushes for 3,552 yards (4.9 average) and 23 rushing touchdowns
- 553 receptions for 4,840 yards (8.8 average) and 32 receiving touchdowns
- 311 punts returns for 311 yards (9.5 average) and 7 punt return touchdowns
- 332 kick returns for 8,352 yards (25.2 average) and 2 kick return touchdowns
- Single-season record for all-purpose yards
- Fifth in career all-purpose yards
Sproles is a borderline Hall of Famer who was a joy to watch in his prime. He gave the Eagles some good contributions earlier on in his Philly tenure after previously spending time with the then-San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints.
Here’s wishing Sproles happiness in retirement.