Like the super hero The Atom, Darren Sproles is a mighty mite. Though he's one of the shortest players in NFL history at 5-foot-6, his speed and elusiveness have allowed him to make electrifying contributions on offense and special teams.
Sproles became the primary ball carrier during his sophomore year at Kansas State, and he rewarded his coaches' faith by ripping off three straight 1,300-plus yard seasons - including 1,986 in 2003. He also starred on kick and punt returns, and it was with this in mind that the San Diego Chargers selected him late in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft.
Though he was used sparingly during his rookie year, Sproles accomplished a unique feat when he became the first player in NFL history to score his first two career touchdowns on special teams. Injury kept him out of the entire 2006 season, and playing time was still hard to come by the following season as he trailed LaDainian Tomlinson and Michael Turner on the depth chart.
But when Turner left in free agency before the 2008 season, Sproles became LT's primary backup. The Chargers got him more involved in the passing game with screens designed especially for him, and he torched the Denver Broncos in a key Week 17 game with 115 rushing yards and two total TDs. He also stepped in for an ailing Tomlinson in San Diego's first round playoff thriller with Indianapolis, scoring the game-winning points in overtime.
Sproles may never get the chance to be a full time starter, but with Tomlinson's continuing health problems and Turner's success in Atlanta, collectors are starting to recognize his game-breaking skills. His rookie cards can be found in 37 products from the 2005 season, and his autograph is included on 10 of them.
2005 Darren Sproles Rookie Cards
- Absolute Memorabilia # 172 - #'d to 999
- Bazooka # 207
- Bowman # 150
- Bowman's Best # 141 - autographed
- Donruss Classics # 241 - autographed, #'d to 499
- Donruss Elite # 137 - #'d to 499
- Donruss Gridiron Gear # 140 - #'d to 399
- Exquisite Collection # 44 - autographed, #'d to 150
- Finest # 178 - autographed
- Leaf Certified Materials # 176 - #'d to 1000
- Leaf Limited # 168 - #'d to 250
- Leaf Rookies and Stars # 218 - #'d to 799
- Leaf Rookies and Stars Longevity # 218 - #'d to 599
- Playoff Contenders # 129 - autographed w/ announced print run of 454
- Playoff Honors # 124 - #'d to 699
- Playoff Prestige # 178
- Reflections # 275 - #'d to 499
- Score # 384
- SP Authentic # 185 - autographed, #'d to 850
- SPx # 181 - #'d to 499
- Sweet Spot # 270 - autographed, #'d to 650
- Throwback Threads # 174 - #'d to 999
- Topps # 404
- Topps Chrome # 239
- Topps Draft Picks and Prospects # 168
- Topps Heritage # 237
- Topps Pristine # 156 - autographed, #'d to 100
- Topps Total # 548
- Topps Turkey Red # 216
- UD Portraits # 125 - #'d to 425
- Ultimate Collection # 214 - autographed, #'d to 225
- Upper Deck # 249
- Upper Deck ESPN # 157
- Upper Deck Foundations # 206 - autographed, #'d to 699
- Upper Deck Legends # 126 - #'d to 725
- Upper Deck Rookie Debut # 114
- Zenith # 117 - #'d to 999