If Sean Payton Could Add Anyone to His 2025 Roster, It’s This Big 12 Legend

It’s a strong statement considering the list of names Payton had at his disposal. Sproles may not have the Hall of Fame numbers of Brees or the red zone dominance of Graham, but Payton saw something different in the former Kansas State standout. He coached Sproles during some of his most productive years in New Orleans, where Sproles became one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the NFL.

At Kansas State, Sproles rushed for more than 4,900 yards and became one of the most dynamic players in Big 12 history. In the NFL, he carved out a 14-year career built on elite quickness, vision, and durability in both the run game and return game.

Payton’s answer says more than just nostalgia. It reflects his offensive philosophy, one built around versatility, mismatch creation, and players who can line up anywhere on the field. With a young offense in Denver, including former UCF running back R.J. Harvey, the Broncos may be looking to recreate some of what Sproles brought to Payton’s system a decade ago.

For Big 12 fans and Kansas State faithful, it’s a reminder of just how much Sproles impacted the game. For Payton, it’s simple. If he could bring one guy back to help his 2025 team, it wouldn’t be the quarterback or the tight end. It would be No. 43.