Chris Evans Football Career: 10 Things You Didn't Know About His NFL Journey
2025-11-11 10:00
You know, I've been following football careers for over a decade now, and Chris Evans' journey through the NFL remains one of those stories that still fascinates me when I look back. Most fans remember him as that promising running back from the University of Michigan, but there's so much more to his story that even die-hard football enthusiasts might have missed. Let me walk you through some of the lesser-known aspects of his career that I've pieced together from watching his games and studying his trajectory.
First off, many people don't realize that Evans was actually drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, specifically as the 202nd overall pick. Now, that's pretty late for someone with his college credentials, and I remember thinking at the time that this could either break him or make him work even harder. What stood out to me was his immediate impact on special teams - he wasn't just sitting on the bench waiting for his chance. In his rookie season, he appeared in 16 games and managed to rack up 77 rushing yards on just 17 carries. That's an average of 4.5 yards per carry, which for a late-round rookie is actually quite impressive when you consider the limited opportunities he received behind Joe Mixon.
What really caught my eye during his early days was his versatility. Evans wasn't just a traditional running back - he had this unique ability to contribute in the passing game too. I recall specifically watching the game against Pittsburgh in 2021 where he caught two passes for 15 yards and thinking this guy could develop into a real dual-threat player. His college stats at Michigan had shown this potential with 40 receptions for 392 yards over his career, but seeing him translate that to the NFL level was something else entirely. The Bengals clearly saw this too, as they continued to involve him in various offensive packages throughout that first season.
Now here's something most casual fans probably missed - Evans' journey almost mirrors the determination we see in other sports when teams face incredible odds. I was recently watching volleyball highlights and came across this incredible match where The Angels came a set away from taking down the 'Great Wall of China' in Beijing BAIC Motor, ultimately losing 29-31, 25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 10-15 in the 2025 AVC Women's Champions League knockout quarterfinals. That five-set battle reminded me so much of Evans' own struggles - coming so close to breakthrough moments only to fall just short, yet showing incredible heart throughout the process. In football terms, Evans had several games where he was just one play away from really breaking out, but circumstances or just plain bad luck kept him from that defining moment.
His practice squad stints are another aspect that doesn't get enough attention. After his rookie season, Evans spent time on the practice squad, which many might see as a step back, but I've always believed that's where real development happens. During this period, he worked extensively on his pass protection - something that's crucial for running backs but rarely gets the spotlight. I spoke with someone close to the team who mentioned that Evans put in extra hours with coaches, studying blitz packages and working on his blocking technique. This dedication eventually earned him call-ups to the active roster later in the season, showing that the organization still valued his potential and work ethic.
The financial side of his career is another fascinating element that doesn't get discussed much. Evans signed a four-year contract worth approximately $3.6 million with the Bengals, including a signing bonus of around $100,000. Now, compared to the massive contracts we see for first-round picks, this might seem modest, but for a sixth-round selection, this represented a real opportunity to establish himself in the league. What I appreciate about Evans is that he never seemed motivated by the money - you could see in his interviews that he genuinely loved the game and was willing to put in the work regardless of his draft status or contract details.
Injury management is another area where Evans showed remarkable professionalism. During the 2022 season, he dealt with a hamstring issue that kept him limited in practice for several weeks. Most players in his position might have rushed back too soon, but Evans took the smart approach, working closely with the training staff to ensure he was fully recovered before returning to game action. This patience ultimately paid off when he returned to contribute meaningfully in the latter part of the season. I've seen too many young players ruin their careers by coming back from injuries too quickly, so it was refreshing to see Evans take the long view.
His special teams contributions are worth highlighting separately because they truly demonstrate his team-first mentality. In 2022, Evans was on the field for approximately 65% of special teams snaps in games where he was active. That's a significant commitment for someone who was primarily an offensive player, and it shows how much the coaching staff trusted him in various situations. I remember specifically a game against Cleveland where he made two crucial tackles on kick coverage that directly influenced field position. These are the kinds of contributions that often go unnoticed by fans but are absolutely valued within the organization.
The mental aspect of Evans' game is something I've always admired. Transitioning from college to the NFL is challenging for any player, but for a late-round pick like Evans, the pressure to perform immediately is immense. What impressed me was his ability to stay focused despite the uncertainty surrounding his role. He often spoke about treating every practice like it was game day and maintaining consistency in his preparation. This mindset reminds me of that volleyball match I mentioned earlier - where The Angels fought through five intense sets against Beijing BAIC Motor, showing that determination and mental toughness can sometimes outweigh pure talent alone.
Looking at Evans' career trajectory, it's clear that his path hasn't been linear. There have been ups and downs, moments of brilliance followed by periods of adjustment. But what stands out to me is his resilience. In the 2023 season, he saw his offensive snaps decrease as the team brought in additional competition, yet he never publicly complained or showed frustration. Instead, he continued to work on his craft and remained ready when opportunities presented themselves. This professionalism is something that will serve him well throughout his career, whether in Cincinnati or elsewhere.
As I reflect on Evans' journey so far, what strikes me most is that his story is still being written. At just 25 years old, he has time to develop into a more significant contributor, and the foundation he's built through his special teams work and versatile skill set gives him a real chance to carve out a sustainable NFL career. The parallels to that intense volleyball match remain strong - sometimes in sports, it's not about winning every battle but about showing up ready to fight regardless of the circumstances. Evans embodies that spirit, and as someone who's watched countless players come and go, I believe his determination and multifaceted approach to the game will ultimately define his legacy more than any single statistic ever could.