Sproles announces 2018 will be his last season

Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles has officially disclosed his retirement plans.

In a statement posted on his personal blog, Sproles announced he will hang up his cleats after the 2018 season, his 14th in the NFL.

"I'm excited to come back and I am even more excited to come back to the defending Super Bowl champion, Eagles," Sproles said in a statement. "We have something special here with the team, the fans, and the city. We made history bringing the first Lombardi trophy to Philly and now we want to go back-to-back."

"...But I don't do it for the records. Yeah, it would be an honor to be mentioned in the same conversation as those guys - but that’s not what’s important. I love this game. I love what I do."

The 35-year-old had intended for the 2017 season to be his last, but suffered a broken arm and torn ACL on the same play in Philadelphia's Week 3 victory over the New York Giants.

Sproles is known for his versatility and incredible story. At 5-foot-6, the running back carved out an incredible career. He currently ranks 8th on the career all-purpose yards list, and has set his sights on moving into the No. 5 spot, surpassing Steve Smith, Marshall Faulk, and Tim Brown.

Sproles was a fourth-round pick of the then San Diego Chargers in 2005, and also spent time with the New Orleans Saints. He has 52 career offensive touchdowns and nine career return touchdowns (seven on punts, two on kick-offs).