Arkansas Razorbacks Legend Darren McFadden Named to TIME 100 Most Influential People in Sports for 2025
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas Razorbacks legend Darren McFadden has been named one of the 100 most influential people in sports by TIME magazine for 2025, a prestigious honor announced on April 16, 2025, that celebrates his enduring impact on college football and beyond. This milestone cements McFadden’s reputation as one of the greatest running backs in NCAA history and a transformative figure in the sport, whose legacy continues to inspire athletes and fans alike.
McFadden, a Little Rock native born on August 27, 1987, electrified Razorback fans from 2005 to 2007 as a running back for coach Houston Nutt’s Arkansas Razorbacks. His inclusion in the TIME 100 list, which recognizes athletes, coaches, and sports figures shaping the global landscape, places him alongside luminaries like Serena Williams and Jalen Hurts. The accolade comes on the heels of Arkansas announcing that McFadden’s No. 5 jersey will be honored with a special patch worn by players starting in the 2025 season, with a display unveiled at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on October 18, 2025, during the game against Texas A&M.
“This is a humbling honor,” McFadden said on The Hog Pod podcast. “I’m grateful to the University of Arkansas, my coaches, teammates, and Razorback fans who’ve supported me. To be recognized by TIME alongside so many incredible people in sports means a lot, but it’s about the legacy we built together at Arkansas.”
McFadden’s journey to this recognition began at Oak Grove High School in North Little Rock, where he was a Parade magazine All-American in 2004 and won the prestigious Landers Award as Arkansas’ top high school player. A five-star recruit ranked No. 23 nationally by Rivals.com, McFadden chose Arkansas over offers from Tennessee, Alabama, and Auburn, driven by his pride in representing his home state. His speed, showcased by a 10.8-second 100-meter dash, hinted at the explosive talent he’d bring to Fayetteville.
At Arkansas, McFadden burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2005, rushing for 1,113 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning SEC Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-American honors. He became only the seventh SEC player to rush for over 1,000 yards as a freshman, setting an Arkansas record. In 2006, despite a dislocated toe from an off-field incident, he rushed for a school-record 1,647 yards, earning his first Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back and finishing as Heisman Trophy runner-up. His 2007 season was even more remarkable, with 1,830 rushing yards—a program record—and a career-high 321 yards in a single game against South Carolina, tying an SEC record. McFadden won a second Doak Walker Award, was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and again finished as Heisman runner-up, earning unanimous All-American status.
Over his three-year career, McFadden amassed 4,590 rushing yards, the most in Arkansas history and third all-time in the SEC, behind only Herschel Walker and Nick Chubb. His 41 rushing touchdowns rank seventh in SEC history, and he holds Arkansas records for most 100-yard rushing games (22) and single-season rushing yards. McFadden’s versatility extended beyond running, as he threw three touchdown passes on nine attempts and was a consensus All-American as a kick returner in 2006. His iconic moment came after Arkansas’ 50-48 triple-overtime upset of No. 1 LSU in 2007, when he famously declared, “We got that wood right here, baby,” holding a miniature baseball bat during coach Nutt’s CBS interview.
“Since 2005, our entire state has associated the No. 5 with Darren McFadden,” said Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek. “His legacy lives on, and this TIME 100 recognition reflects the greatness he brought to Arkansas and the sport.”
McFadden’s influence transcends statistics. His decision to stay home and play for Arkansas inspired a generation of in-state athletes, including those who now wear the No. 5 patch, like senior defensive tackle Cam Ball and freshman receiver Ja’Kayden Ferguson. “It’s the ultimate sign of respect,” Ball said. “I want to carry on the legacy D-Mac built.” McFadden himself endorsed the patch over retiring his number, saying, “It’s a way for my name to live on, but it’s also about the next generation carrying the torch.”
Off the field, McFadden’s impact is equally profound. In June 2025, he participated in a Q&A at the Arkansas Travelers’ Faith and Family Night, discussing his journey with faith and sobriety. A father of young daughters, McFadden has been open about overcoming alcohol addiction, serving as a role model for resilience. His 2019 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and appearances on platforms like The Chuck & Bo Show and Morning Mayhem highlight his continued connection to Arkansas fans.
Selected fourth overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2008 NFL Draft, McFadden played seven seasons with the Raiders and three with the Dallas Cowboys, rushing for over 1,000 yards twice. Though injuries limited his NFL consistency, his college legacy remains unmatched, earning him a spot on the SEC’s All-Quarter Century Team in 2025 alongside teammate Shawn Andrews.
Razorback fans celebrated McFadden’s TIME 100 honor on X, with posts praising his electrifying runs and humble demeanor. “D-Mac is Arkansas football royalty. TIME 100 just proves what we’ve always known,” one fan wrote. The honor coincides with heightened excitement for the 2025 season, as Arkansas, coming off a 7-6 record in 2024, prepares to face Alabama A&M on August 30 under coach Sam Pittman.
As McFadden’s No. 5 is honored in Razorback Stadium, his TIME 100 recognition underscores his broader influence. From inspiring young athletes to redefining Arkansas football, McFadden’s legacy endures. “It’s not just about what I did,” he said. “It’s about what Arkansas means to me and what we can do for the next generation.”
