Darren Sproles was one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL in the late 2000s and the 2010s. Standing at 5-foot-6, he arguably the shiftiest player on the field and was a challenge to tackle for any opposing defense, especially in his three seasons he played with the Saints.
In two of those campaigns (2011 and 2013), his head coach and offensive play caller was Sean Payton (Payton was not around for the 2012 season as he served a suspension for his role in the Saints’ Bountygate scandal), the current coach of the Denver Broncos. Sproles had the three best receiving seasons of his career down in New Orleans as he set his three top marks for targets, receiving yards and receptions in Payton’s offense. He was used in such an innovative way that created matchup nightmares for opposing players on any defense in the league.
During an appearance on “Up & Adams with Kay Adams” recently, Sproles shared the news that Payton had contacted him about joining the Broncos as a coaching intern.
“Sean has called me up on it, and I think I’ll take him up on it,” Sproles said. “I feel like my next calling is to coach.”
NFL legend Darren Sproles tells us he plans to accept a role as a coaching intern on the Broncos' staff 👀@DarrenSproles | @Broncos | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/2AJBlcjdGg
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) November 6, 2025
The three-time Pro Bowler then went on to say that he’s most excited to work with Deuce Vaughn, who is currently on the Broncos practice squad. Vaughn has drawn so many comparisons to Sproles early in his career, as he ha s a similar stature and skillset to Sproles.
“I see a younger me. I see it in him,” Sproles said about Vaughn. “His quickness, his speed, the way he is in space, I just want to tweak a couple things from him, but I feel like he can have a long career. Especially if he’s there in Denver with Sean, Sean’s going to put him in the right positions.”
Vaughn made a name for himself with Kansas State in college, as he ran for 2,914 yards and accounted for 34 total touchdowns over his final two seasons in Manhattan. He wasn’t able to find much stability with the Cowboys to kick off his NFL career, but these moves that the Broncos are making could help jumpstart his pro playing days.
The 42-year-old emphasized that he hasn’t made an official decision yet, as he’s still thinking about it, but it seems like he’s going to end up being the newest addition to Payton’s staff. Once the ultimate Joker in Payton’s system, he will be able to help teach these younger, more elusive backs on the roster how to become lethal targets in the pass game to further unlock Denver’s offense.
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