The average career span for an NFL running back is between 3-6 years, which makes Darren Sproles a legendary figure in this league for having lasted 14 years. The former Kansas State star running back was actually a teammate of Drew Brees with the San Diego Chargers.
Detroit Lions second year running back, Kerryon Johnson, paid Sproles the ultimate compliment in advance of their meeting on Sunday, praising Sproles for his longevity in this physical NFL game.
“Look. If I was 36, I promise you I will not be on this football field. That’s a long time, especially at his size and the way he plays the game,” Johnson said on Friday via MLive. “He plays with no fear. He goes out there and runs like he’s 220 pounds. That’s major respect. He’s done this for a long time. You got to watch Sproles play. See a little dude out there, this tall, this wide, scurrying around the field with grown men making them look silly. To do it at the level for how long he’s done it, it’s nothing short of incredible.
“If I’m still running like him, I mean, maybe I’ll still be out there. He’s as electric as ever, and he’s playing top-notch ball so it’s hard to blame him.”
For comparison, the 22-year-old Johnson is the veteran in a running back group that includes rookie Ty Johnson, fullback Nick Bawden, and recent additions J.D. McKissic and Paul Perkins.
