Chargers' Darren Sproles: Apparently "Size" Does Matter in the NFL

I recently wrote an article where I claimed that San Diego Chargers running back Darren Sproles' performance against the Colts on Saturday had finally put his critics to rest.

His five receptions for 45 yards, 23 carries for 105 yards, and two touchdowns should have done the job.

However, I've just learned that it's basically impossible for a 5'6" athlete to be an every-down back.

It seems that this past week, some of the best scientists in the world came together and conclusively decided that 5'7" is the height limit for running backs who aim to be an every-down back in the NFL.

After the Chargers victory on Saturday, I read numerous article claiming that Sproles can't be an every-down back just because of his size.

While critics haven't said "he's too weak" or "he isn't good enough", they have all agreed that Sproles is "too small".

They might as well have just looked at his bio, saw his height, and made the same claim.

I would have thought by now that society would have realized that size doesn't have to matter in sports. There have been a great deal of athletes in the history of sports that have defied the odds even though they were said to be too small.

Former Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders, arguably the greatest running back to play the game, was only 5'8", two inches taller than Sproles.

Former NBA power forward Dennis Rodman was considered too small at 6'6", while the same could be said for Charles Barkley, clocking in at 6'5".

Both were always doubted because of their size and each night, both men had to go up against much taller players.

However, that didn't stop either of them from breaking into NBA history. Barkley is known as one of the the greatest power forwards of all time, while Rodman has been said to be the greatest rebounder of all time.

It seems to me that if players don't fit the mold expected of them in their sport, they have to work even harder to prove that they can be successful in their sport.

Why does a power forward have to be taller than 6-8?

Why does a quarterback have to be taller than 6-2?

Why does a linebacker have to be taller than 6-0?

Size shouldn't have to matter if the player is successful in their own way.

When all is said and done, there are a great deal of undersized players playing professional football right now that are considered superstars.

Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders, who was last year's NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is 5'8" yet is known to be one of the hardest hitting safeties in the game.

Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Zach Thomas, who is "undersized" at 5'11", is one of the best linebackers of all time, currently ranking fourth in tackles in NFL history.

Not enough? Take New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. The 6'0" athlete is one of the smallest quarterbacks in the league, yet was named the NFL's 2008 Offensive Player of the Year.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith, at 5'9", is smaller than most receivers but can be considered one of the best in the league with his 1,461 yards in 14 games this season.

I find it amazing that people assume that because Sproles' is a few inches shorter than the norm, he cannot support an every-down role that would require 20 or more carries in a game.

Where's the evidence coming from? The statistics.

In 2007, he had 25 carries for 122 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions in week 15. On Aug. 25, in a preseason game against the Seattle Seahwaks, Sproles had 13 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown.

In Week 17 against the Denver Broncos, Sproles had 14 carries for 115 yards and a touchdown. In the wild-card matchup against the Colts, he had 23 carries for 105 yards and two touchdowns.

See the pattern? When Sproles gets the ball, he is going to deliver.

In fact, in every game he has gotten over 13 carries, he has also gotten over 100 yards rushing.

In San Diego's last game against the Colts, Sproles had 35 total touches for 328 yards. While this might tire some athletes, he looked just as "fresh" in overtime when he scored the game-winning touchdown as he did when he had his first touch of the day.

In college, Sproles was a "do it all" workhorse back for Kansas State with 4,769 rushing yards on 787 carries in 39 games from 2002-2004, while being a great return specialist and receiver out of the backfield as well.

So what's the problem?

I understand that the NFL is not the same as college football, but Sproles' performances have proven that he's capable of being an every-down back more than they haven't.

Even if his statistics speak for themselves, some still don't realize that he is extremely strong for his size, surpassing many linebackers when it comes to strength.

At the NFL Combine, Sproles bench-pressed 225 pounds a total of 23 times, which was more than his fellow draftee, Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman.

I know that it is uncertain if Sproles can play 16 games in the NFL as an every-down back, but how can he be shot down without an opportunity to prove himself?

When running back Adrian Peterson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, many skeptics thought that due to his up-right running style he would be too injury prone to last in the NFL.

They were wrong.

There have been many players in NFL history who were big in stature that didn't make it the NFL because they couldn't handle the 16 game grind.

The truth is, we don't know if any player can make it in the NFL as a starter until they are given a chance. It's unfair to claim Sproles can't make it when there is no evidence to prove he can't handle it except for being "undersized".

Sproles is a unique talent that doesn't come around very often. I hope his career doesn't get wasted as a kick returner and situational back because of skeptics who only consider his height.

The story of David and Goliath is one that many know across the world. Like David, I hope Sproles, while small in stature, proves his doubters wrong as he defies the odds as as every-down back in the NFL.