BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
The legacy of Kansas State scatback Darren Sproles was cemented when Pawnee Rock native Steve Crosby served as an NFL scout for the San Diego Chargers.
Crosby will be honored for a 33-year playing/coaching career in the NFL July 25 with his induction into the 2026 Kansas Hall of Fame Class.
At Fort Hays State, Crosby rushed for 2,780 career yards and 27 touchdowns while earning All-America honors as a senior.
The drafting of Sproles is one of Crosby's fondest memories.
At 5-foot-6, Sproles was overlooked and cast aside by most NFL draft 'experts.' Sproles broke numerous Kansas State records, highlighted by a dominating 323-yard all-purpose performance against Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game.
'Too small, too short, not physically equipped,' the scouting reports said.
Much like Kansas State football legendary coach Bill Snyder, Crosby was a believer.
Crosby worked with legendary Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula, Cleveland/New England coach Bill Belichick and Kansas City/San Diego coach Marty Schottenheimer.
"I did San Diego's rankings for the kick returners and the specialists," Crosby said. "There was no question Sproles was the best of 10 return guys. Sproles was outstanding."
However, San Diego other scouts and the Chargers' general manager didn't do their homework like Crosby.
One scout had Sproles ranked 10th out of 10 possible return specialists. General manager A.J. Smith. didn't want to draft someone of such small stature.
San Diego head coach Marty Schottenheimer posed the draft day question to Crosby, "Would you take him?
"No question in my mind I'd pick Sproles," Crosby told Schottenheimer. "Sproles pound-for-pound was stronger than anyone on our team. He's quick and fast. He won't be injury prone because of the way he's built."
Crosby still faced an opposing viewpoint from other San Diego scouts who hadn't done their research.
San Diego Chargers owner Dean Spanos said, "You better be right or I'll hold you accountable."
Crosby responded in a way that shocked Spanos, but confirmed his belief in Sproles.
"If I'm wrong, I'll kiss your butt all the way up Canyon Road," Crosby said. "Spanos started laughing. If coach Crosby is so positive about Sproles, Let's take him.'
Sproles started turning heads when a preseason practice mixed and matched high-profile drafted players.
Three-time All Pro linebacker Shawne Merriman was assigned to tackle Sproles on a preseason misdirection sweep play.
"There's Shawne Merriman and Darren Sproles in open space," Crosby said. "Darren absolutely screwed him into the ground.
General manager A.J. Smith (not a fan of Sproles) said to nearby reporters, 'That's why we wanted this guy so bad. That's my guy.'
Truth be told, Crosby get his guy.
"Sproles was my best dang draft interview," Crosby said. "I saw his heart and kindness. He was unselfish, a team player who's a fighter. He's all the things you want in football player."
Sproles played for San Diego, New Orleans and Philadelphia while earning a 2017 Super Bowl ring with the Eagles.
His 2,696 all-purpose yards in a season broke an NFL record.
One time, Sproles convinced San Diego's coaches to keep him on all return teams in addition to full-time backfield duties.
Sproles said, 'Keep me on return teams. Coach Crosby, you had faith in me when others didn't."
Sproles returned a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns in a Nov 11, 2007 game against the Colts. He achieved a 300-yard plus all-purpose yards outing against the Colts.
When he retired, 3-time Pro Bowler Sproles had gained 19,696 all-purpose yards, sixth all time with 64 touchdowns with 4,840 yards receiving and more than 3,500 yards rushing.
He's Kansas State's all-time leading rusher with 5,230 yards and 79 touchdowns. His career highlight came was 323 all-purpose yards in a 40-20 victory over No. 1 ranked Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game.
