Heath Evans

Infobox NFLactive
currentteam=New England Patriots


width=200
caption=Heath Evans at Patriots Training Camp.
country=USA
currentnumber=44
currentpositionplain=Fullback
birthdate=birth date and age|1978|12|30
birthplace=West Palm Beach, Florida
heightft=6
heightin=0
weight=250
debutyear=2001
debutteam=Seattle Seahawks
college=Auburn
draftyear=2001
draftround=3
draftpick=82
pastteams=
* Seattle Seahawks (2001-2004)
* Miami Dolphins (2005)
* New England Patriots (2005-present)
nfl=EVA025725

Bryan Heath Evans (born December 30, 1978 in West Palm Beach, Florida) is an American football fullback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He has previously played for the Seattle Seahawks and the Miami Dolphins.

Early years

While attending the King's Academy in West Palm Beach, Evans was a student and lettered in football and basketball. In football, he was a two-time All-State selection as a tailback [http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=playerbio&bio=31576 Heath Evans biography] Patriots.com. Accessed 9 July 2007.] .

College career

Evans attended Auburn University. In football, he finished his three-year career with 149 rushing attempts for 626 yards (4.2 yards per rush) and six touchdowns, and 30 receptions for 354 yards (11.8 yards per reception) and a touchdown.

Pro career

Evans was the first fullback taken in the 2001 NFL Draft, with the Seahawks selecting him in the third round (82nd overall). Evans spent four years in Seattle blocking for best friend Shaun Alexander before signing with the Miami Dolphins in the spring of 2005 [ [http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=hawk11&date=20021211 Q & A: Evans learning from his friends] The Seattle Times.] . While in Miami, Evans was re-united with former Auburn tailback Ronnie Brown (with whom he was a team-mate in 2000), but was cut six weeks into the season. One week later, the Patriots signed Evans for the remainder of the 2005 season. On November 16, he filled in for an injured Corey Dillon at tailback against his former team and rushed for 84 yards on 17 carries and caught 3 passes for 18 yards, subsequently leading the Patriots to victory. On March 23, 2006, the Patriots re-signed Evans as an unrestricted free agent to another one-year contract.

During the 2006 season, Evans ran for 117 yards on 27 carries. He also caught 7 passes for 34 yards. In week 5 against the Dolphins, Evans scored his first career touchdown on a 1-yard reception from Tom Brady. Two weeks later against the Minnesota Vikings, Evans recorded his career long carry of 35 yards. Against the San Diego Chargers in the playoffs, Evans recorded 3 special team tackles in the Patriots' 24-21 upset. Evans caught 4 passes in the AFC Championship loss to the Colts.

On February 24, 2007, the Patriots announced that Evans signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him off the free agent market. Evans also rushed for a 2-yard touchdown against the New York Jets in a 38-14 victory in the opening game of the 2007 season.

Personal

Evans is the founder of the [http://www.HeathEvans.org Heath Evans Foundation] , a foundation for abused children. He and his wife Beth Ann have two daughters, Ava and Naomi; during the offseason they reside in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Evans has expressed interest in opening Dunkin Donuts franchises in Alabama, where they currently do not operate; Dunkin Donuts is a sponsor of the Patriots.

Trivia

*Chris Berman of ESPN has given Evans the nickname "Heath bar Evans".
*Scored his first collegiate touchdown against the University of Mississippi.
*His sister Amy is a professional singer.
*Broke his ankle while at Auburn and had to have a teammate tell him it was broken before he realized it.

Notes and references