Mahattan, KS (K-State) – One of the most prolific runners and all-purpose performers in college football history, Darren Sproles ’05, will be the grand marshal of the 2024 Homecoming Parade. He was selected for the honor by the All-University Homecoming Committee and the K-State Alumni Association.
The Parade will take place on Oct. 25 at 5 p.m., beginning at Manhattan Town Center and proceeding through Aggieville before ending in City Park for the Homecoming pep rally.
Sproles, a former Wildcat running back, holds more than 20 school and conference records. He helped lead the Wildcats to a Big 12 title in 2003. In 2021 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame.
A fourth-round pick by the San Diego Chargers in the 2005 NFL Draft, Sproles played 15 seasons in the league with the Chargers (2005-10), New Orleans Saints (2011-13) and Philadelphia Eagles (2014-19). The three-time Pro Bowl selection was a member of the Eagles team that won Super Bowl LII. Currently ranked sixth in NFL history with 19,696 all-purpose yards, Sproles set the single-season league record with 2,696 in 2011.
“Darren is a legendary and record-setting Wildcat and we’ve known each other since our time as student-athletes at K-State,” said Adam Walker ’04, ’09, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association. “Many Wildcats may remember Darren and the ’Cats’ thrilling comeback victory to win the Big 12 title in 2003. It came as a shock to many, but not K-State. We’re excited welcome him back to Manhattan and honor him as our grand marshal.”
Homecoming has been a tradition at K-State for more than 100 years. This year’s theme is “Wildcats: Then. Now. Forever.,” it celebrates the K-State Alumni Association’s 150th anniversary. The week-long celebration, coordinated by the Homecoming Committee, will take place from Oct. 20-26 and is sponsored by the K-State Alumni Association.
