Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles said next season will be his last one in the NFL. Sproles, 33, is the third-oldest running back in the NFL. Frank Gore and DeAngelo Williams are the only two running backs who are older.
Eagles running back Darren Sproles will retire after next season
One of the most elusive running backs of all time will only play one more season.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier this week, Sproles told ESPN’s Tim McManus that he plans on playing one more season before retiring. “I feel like [after 2017] it will be time.”
The veteran running back wants to return to Philadelphia next season because he is close with teammates and coaches. However, he mentioned that whether he will be back with the Eagles next season is out of his hands.
“That’s not up to me. That’s up to the people upstairs. I’ve got nothing to do with that. But that’s the plan.”
Sproles said he would play one more season whether Philadelphia decides to bring him back or not.
”[My family] wanted me to [retire] this year. I was like, ‘Nah, I can’t. I can’t.’ The thing is, when you’re chasing that ring ... you really want to get that ring,” he said.
Sproles is under contract with Philadelphia in 2017 and is scheduled to make $4 million.
In a Week 14 loss against Washington, he left the game in the fourth quarter with a head injury. Sproles was fielding a punt and safety Deshazor Everett landed a big hit on Sproles. Everett was flagged for interfering with the punt returner’s opportunity to catch the ball.
Sproles did not return to the game and missed the Eagles Week 15 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. But he returned in Week 16 against the New York Giants.
The veteran running back plays such a key role in Philadelphia’s offense. He is still effective with the ball in his hands, and he gives that offense a spark.
So far this season, Sproles has 406 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He also has 423 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
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