Brees on Sproles' departure from Saints: 'Still shaking my head'

It's been three seasons since the New Orleans Saints traded Darren Sproles to the Philadelphia Eagles, and Drew Brees still hasn't gotten over it.

Brees and Sproles are sharing the field this week as members of the NFC Pro Bowl roster, and the experience jogged Brees' memory about his time with the running back.

"He's really a once-in-a-lifetime player in regards to - he is a game-changing guy," the Saints quarterback told members of an ESPN panel. "My three years with him, obviously we experienced a ton of success, we won a ton of football games when we were (in New Orleans) together, and I'm still shaking my head at that departure."

Brees and Sproles spent 2011-13 together with the Saints, and also played together in 2005 as members of the San Diego Chargers. Statistically, they both had their best seasons as teammates in New Orleans.

"He's a special guy," said Brees. "We train together in the offseason for the last seven or eight years. The guy only knows one speed.

"He makes everyone around him better."