43 days until LA Chargers football: Darren Sproles is an all-timer

We are officially 43 days away from potentially seeing the LA Chargers back in action.

We have been counting down the days until the LA Chargers are back in action here at Bolt Beat. Counting today, we are 43 days away from the Bolts’ scheduled Week 1 matchup against first overall pick Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Reds.

To properly count down the days, we have been naming the best players in franchise history to wear every number that coincides with the number of days remaining. Thus far, Melvin Ingram and Sam Tevi — of all players — are the only active members of the roster to earn the honor.

The best number 43 in Chargers’ history is someone who has become a borderline Hall of Famer and an overall NFL fan-favorite. He just recently hung it up and started his long-tenured career with the Bolts.

The best number 43 in LA Chargers’ history: Darren Sproles

Darren Sproles is an all-timer. He might not compare to some of the best players in franchise history in terms of overall production or statistics, but he will forever be a fan-favorite for every single Charger fan.

The number one thing that every fan should think of when they look back at Sproles’ tenure in the powder blue was his performance in the AFC Wild Card round against the Indianapolis Colts.

LaDainian Tomlinson was out of action due to injury and Sproles stepped up and had a remarkable game. He carried the ball 22 times for 105 yards, had five receptions for 45 yards and finished with two rushing touchdowns; this included the game-winning touchdown in overtime.

Sproles was never a high-volume back in terms of carries but he blossomed into the great receiving and returning back with the Chargers that he would continue to be for the rest of his career.

After six seasons (one he did not play) with the Bolts, Sproles spent three years with the New Orleans Saints and another six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. Sproles finished his career with 3,552 rushing yards, 4,840 rushing yards and 19,696 all-purpose yards.

Sproles is fifth in NFL history in all-purpose yards and is seventh in return yards. Of his 19,696 all-purpose yards, 50.5 percent while he was a member of the Chargers despite spending less than half of his career with the team.

Will Sproles get into the Hall of Fame? It is debatable, but I would say probably not. If he does, though, he very well could go in as a Charger.