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In the 2005 NFL Draft, 129 players were drafted before a 5’6” Kansas State running back who set 23 school records and has the 6th most all-purpose yards in NCAA history. Teams were reluctant to draft the Darren Sproles because of his tiny build.
Fast forward 12 years, and Sproles has become one of the most dynamic multi-threat talent in recent memory, becoming a 2-time First-team All Pro and setting the NFL record for all-purpose yards in 2011 with 2,696. At every stage of his career, Sproles has overcome the odds, even 25 years ago when he was just a little tike in Pop Warner dodging and weaving through slower defenders.
Today is Darren Sproles’ 34th birthday and his Philadelphia Eagles wished their shifty back a happy birthday by sharing video of him during his Pop Warner days. Spoiler alert: He was absolutely filthy then too.
No wonder the dude’s vision is so next level. He played his entire childhood trying to see holes through this lineman mask.
[h/t The Score]