How did the running back Darren Sproles play for so long if he's only 5'6?

[HitmanTommy]

I don't follow football much so can anyone fill me in on this guy? His stats are listed as 5'6, 185 lb. Yet it says that he's played in the NFL since 2005 to 2019 not only as a running back but as a punt returner as well. How was he able to play so long given his small size?

14 years in professional football at his size? That's amazing!

[IceTrayDaGang]

he's a running back. they aint gotta be big. LT who played for the chargers before was only 5'10 and he was one the best at the time.

[HewJohnson]

5’6” but 200 pound body.
Dude was burly and had big ass legs.

Look up Boston Scott who plays for Philly Eagles. Same height 5’6” but burly wide body. RB’s like that are good for breaking thru that o line and running thru holes, usually have good acceleration.

[siablo14]

I don't follow football much so can anyone fill me in on this guy? His stats are listed as 5'6, 185 lb. Yet it says that he's played in the NFL since 2005 to 2019 not only as a running back but as a punt returner as well. How was he able to play so long given his small size?

14 years in professional football at his size? That's amazing!

He was quick as f**ck. He wasn't easy to catch or tackle.

[Ubeja Vontell]

Been a whole slew of short running backs over the years, obviously their game is superor quicks with speed.

Everyone below under 5-7

"Mini" Mac Herron
Lonel "Little Train" James
Howard Stevens
Max Anderson
Jack Shapiro.....the smallest pro footballer ever...5-1 126 pounds, a fullback.

Charlie "Anvil" Tolar was 5-5 bullbozer, first Houston Oiler to have a 1000 yard season.

Here was the first great speed RB in pro football.




Current mighty mite



His NCA&T video is cartoonish with the runs he made vs college kids.

[hectari]

The greatest Barry Sanders was 5 foot 7 but listed at 5 foot 8 and he was 204 pounds and ran a 4.35 40 yard dash, he was small but hard to tackle, smaller thicker backs are preferable because they are durable, quick and can get out of openings where other backs have to power thru.