Former Bulldog and NFL player Demetric Evans ready to walk the walk
Demetric Evans and his wife Dr. Aungel Evans pose after UGA's graduation ceremonies Friday at Stegeman Coliseum. (Photo provided by Demetric Evans)
ATHENS — For years Demetric Evans has talked the talk. Now he’s ready to walk the walk.
The graduation walk, specifically.
It has been 11 years almost exactly since Evans last attended classes at UGA and played football for the Georgia Bulldogs. A defensive end, he bolted town immediately following his senior season and spent nine years playing ball in the NFL. But since leaving Athens in December of 2000, Evans vowed to return one day to walk in graduation ceremonies.
Today, Evans will be in Stegeman Coliseum along with nine other current and former football players, 27 student-athletes overall and more than 1,700 fellow graduates to do just that. Evans has earned his UGA degree in child and family development from the College of Family & Consumer Sciences.
“It’s something I always expected to do, but it’s a good thing I’m getting it behind me now,” said Evans, a native of Haynesville, La.
For Evans, getting here was no small undertaking, literally and figurative. Start with the fact that he currently resides in Walnut Creek, Calif. Then there was that whole matter of finding and enrolling in classes and that would transfer to UGA.
For that, Evans offers a special thanks to Connie Rash, the director of student services for UGA’s College of Family & Consumer Sciences.
Evans completed the coursework he needed – about one year’s worth — at San Jose State. On Thursday, Evans flew to Atlanta from San Francisco along with his wife and young son and a small entourage of people that included his financial adviser, his agent and some friends and family.
“I’ve got a gang of people who are going to be there,” he said proudly. “We’re going to have a house full.”
Asked why he’d go to such trouble and expense, Evans laughed.
“Well, it’s something that I earned,” he said. “It’s something that I promised myself when I was in high school being recruited to become a college athlete. Playing football is great. But that’s the only thing that would empower me as an individual, a degree.”
It’s not as though Evans is desperate for a job. His last contract with the San Francisco 49ers, which expired at the end of the 2010 season, paid him $3.8 million. Also, his wife, Dr. Aungel Evans, is an OB-GYN practicing medicine in California. They live on the West Coast but have a permanent residence is in Dallas, Texas.
But then again, Evans has always done the unexpected. When he graduated from Haynesville High in rural Louisiana as one of the top prospects in the state, he signed with Georgia rather than follow the herd to LSU. With the Bulldogs, he started only three games and wasn’t given much of a chance in the NFL. But he made the Dallas Cowboys’ roster as an undrafted free agent and played nine NFL seasons.
Effectively retired now at age 32, Evans many expected him to kick back and play a lot of golf. Instead, he has chose to finish his undergrad work and now is contemplating pursuing a Masters.
“I want to change people’s lives, because I grew up in a small town in a single-parent home where getting a college degree and playing in the NFL seemed unachievable,” Evans said. “Not only have I finished my degree, but I played in the NFL for three times the life expectancy of the average player. I’m an example of what hard work and dedication can bring.”
While in the NFL, Evans founded the “92 Blessings Foundation.” Named for the jersey he wore most of his football career, he would select 92 families each to assist with food and gifts during the holidays.
Now he envisions a new mission.
“I’m hoping to improve the literacy rate,” he said. “I want to raise funds to start an after-school program in my hometown for under-privileged kids, and all kids really, to prepare for the ACT and SAT and to get tutoring for classes they’re struggling in so they can increase their GPA and compete for college scholarships.”
As for his own future, Evans is not sure yet exactly what’s in store.
“That’s the blessing of it, that I don’t have to rush to figure out what’s next,” Evans said. “My time is up in the NFL. I enjoyed each moment and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. But now it’s on to a new adventure.”
PLAYING DAYS
- Evans played in 38 games for the Bulldogs but made only three starts as he was at Georgia at the same time as Richard Seymour, Marcus Stroud, Charles Grant and Josh Mallard.
- He finished his UGA career with 86 tackles, 2 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss.
- Evans played nine NFL seasons, three at Dallas, four at Washington and two at San Francisco. Again, he was mainly a backup but played regularly. He finished with 174 tackles and 14.5 sacks.
– Chip Towers
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208 comments Add your comment
Paul in NH
December 16th, 2011
2:19 pm
GTBob – I am a GT fan. I am not a psychologist.
Dawg stranded in Alabama
December 16th, 2011
2:24 pm
Congrats, Demetric! A nine-year NFL career is nothing to sneeze at, but coming back and getting your degree is an even bigger accomplishment, and you should be very, very proud.
Once since 2005
December 16th, 2011
2:25 pm
GTBob when your team lost to UGA again this year to make it ten of eleven years were you disappointed and upset?
SupremoDawg
December 16th, 2011
2:29 pm
GT Bob and Facts, don’t you have your own little blog to play on? I know it makes you feel so good about yourselves to try and downgrade one man’s fine accomplishments. Congratulations Demetric! You have done what a lot of folks talk about, but few actually do. You have finished your degree and now want to give back to help others in this world. Love it!
GT Man
December 16th, 2011
2:30 pm
I am in no way a Ga. fan, but I really respect this young man for what he accomplished by getting his degree.
Florida is a basketball school now
December 16th, 2011
2:32 pm
Richard Samuel back for bowl game
Richard Samuel to remain at running back for 2012
Several recruits that were holding back will probably commit to us now.
Coach Richt-today
TampaDawg
December 16th, 2011
2:33 pm
GT Man
December 16th, 2011
2:30 pm
I am in no way a Ga. fan, but I really respect this young man for what he accomplished by getting his degree.
——————————
Classy post. Everyone on here, including the GT faithful, have a great Christmas and New Year in case I don’t get to say it between now and then.
GTBob
December 16th, 2011
2:34 pm
GTBob when your team lost to UGA again this year to make it ten of eleven years were you disappointed and upset?
Disappointed, yes. Upset, no.
Once since 2005
December 16th, 2011
2:42 pm
GTBob no shame in admitting either and who wouldn’t dislike losing to their biggest rival ten times over eleven years. Were you dissapointed in CPJ now having a record of one and three vs his biggest rival?
SoGaDawg
December 16th, 2011
2:45 pm
This is exactly what a young kid signing a scholarship to play collegiate sports should aspire to be. He did not take his scholarship for granted like so many do. Played 4 years, worked hard, grew up in the process and came back to finish what he started. No matter what the degree is, no one can take that from you. Damn good Dawg and even finer man.
Dwayne
December 16th, 2011
2:46 pm
GTBob, I do agree with you about Evans, 3 starts at UGA but a nine year career in the NFL. 3 of the other 4 D linemen he played with are pretty darn good, I remember Mallard being good too, but I dont believe he made it too the NFL, much less had a career in it. I stay off the tech blogs even tho I hope they win all games in all sports except whe they play UGA or GA. Southern…I do troll the Ga. St. blog every now and then, they welcome me when I say Ga. Southern, the real GSU. Besides it”s easy, they only get 20 posts per football story.
NCDawgFan
December 16th, 2011
2:51 pm
GTBob, where were you the week after the “Beat Down on North Avenue – 2011 Edition”? You couldn’t seem to stay away from here the week before the game, but were no where to be found the week after the game. I guess your humiliation has subsided for now, at least until next November when we make it 1-11 in Athens.
bingdon
December 16th, 2011
2:52 pm
Someone to look up to, model yourself after, call a hero. Are you watching, Mr. cro-WELL? I love stories like this and he’s right about the degree. It does empower you and I’m very proud of my UGA diploma even if it was in journalism, but, hey, you only had to take one math class.
GTBob
December 16th, 2011
2:54 pm
Were you dissapointed in CPJ now having a record of one and three vs his biggest rival?
Not really. I don’t get caught up in long term records. If you do then you can’t appreciate any single victory.
GTBob
December 16th, 2011
2:55 pm
NCDawgFan, what in the world are you talking about? I was here taking my shots like I always do.
Dawg77
December 16th, 2011
2:56 pm
Congrats Demetric Evans! You’re a proud graduate of the University of Georgia. Why aren’t there more stories like this? In 8 days we will hear about all the kids that are ineligible to play in the bowl games because they flunked out. We never hear stories about people getting their degrees. This is the purpose of college athletics to get a degree, not go to the NBA or NFL.
NCDawgFan
December 16th, 2011
2:58 pm
Maybe some day Johnson will actually have a “single victory” again versus Georgia, but I don;t see it happening anytime soon. As for your “long term records”, how about 1-10? Get caught up in that one GTBob.
GTBob
December 16th, 2011
3:06 pm
Maybe some day Johnson will actually have a “single victory” again versus Georgia, but I don;t see it happening anytime soon.
Yeah, if you look at it on paper then GT should never ever beat UGA again regardless of the coaches. It will happen eventually though.
DDPO
December 16th, 2011
3:11 pm
So, he completes his last year at San Jose State/UC El Segundo?
How is this a great example of perserverance? Because he complete his final year at a subpar university?
This is not a knock on Demetric. But I can tell you that he’s not walking with his actual peers, because they finished their education in Athens. (Not a glorified JUCO)
Once since 2005
December 16th, 2011
3:18 pm
GTBob a single victory over an 11 year timeframe against your biggest rival would tend to make it tough to enjoy and appreciate much.
Old Dawg
December 16th, 2011
3:27 pm
Good story, Chip. Thanks for writing it. And Happy Holidays to you and yours!
GTBob
December 16th, 2011
3:34 pm
Once since 2005, that’s my point. Even if we win next year it will only be 2 out of 12. If I cared about that then there would be no point in even watching the game.
superDawg
December 16th, 2011
3:57 pm
Way to go Mr.Evans you are a great example to all human beings.I wish you the best of luck. Merry Christmas.
superDawg
December 16th, 2011
3:59 pm
gtbob the only and I mean only reason you are a tek fan is because you think it makes you smart fool.
Hard Truth Soldier
December 16th, 2011
3:59 pm
Facts, How is it that you just conveniantly left Domique Wilkins off on your Basketball, how you left off the Fact that a Backup like Evans was at Geogia went on to Have a nine year career in the NFL, and your average starter at Tech can’t get drafted. Facts did you also forget that this Decade and the last two we own Ya’ll in football. Oh facts and your Factual Lie about Tech being a National Brand and Georgia being regional is so laughable it’s a joke. Georgia Players Graduate, and go on to greatness alot, and how many Tech draft Picks can you say just left with 3.9 Million. Did ya’ll Average the Players in the NFL salary in as well? Facts get your facts Right because fact is your the Biggest liar on the Blog!!
Once Since 2005
December 16th, 2011
4:01 pm
correct and I was confirming what you said. Not much to enjoy over the past 11 and each year that goes by with another loss is probably making you anticipate that potential next victory that much more. Richt really seems to have GT’s # and Auburns for that matter.
Tech Guy
December 16th, 2011
4:04 pm
Coongratulations. This transcends school loyalty.
MNC
December 16th, 2011
4:12 pm
Go DAWGS…good job dude.
Bo in North Carolina
December 16th, 2011
5:02 pm
Congratulations Mr. Evans! Well done!
Tech Guy @4:04 Classy, thanks.
GT88
December 16th, 2011
5:06 pm
Love these stories- kudos to him and the program
ozzfest
December 16th, 2011
5:33 pm
@ FACTS
Javaris does not like pedestians.
Hit A Single
December 16th, 2011
5:35 pm
Great job Demetric! I am a UGA fan but I am so glad to see athletes finish their degrees no matter what school they represent. I wish we would hear about and publicize more stories like this. They are the ones that deserve the attention. Thanks AJC!
Proud-Dawg
December 16th, 2011
6:16 pm
Chip,
Can you please open a private bashing forum for GTBob and Lex so we don’t have to read this garbage?
Sincerely,
AJC readers
hobby
December 16th, 2011
6:41 pm
This is a man of character. So missing in todays world.
IluvGT
December 16th, 2011
7:06 pm
Congratulations to Demetric; well played. He obviously has great character & uga should be very proud of him.
Brucerugby79
December 16th, 2011
7:40 pm
DGD- hope he gets to speak to the team !
Jim
December 16th, 2011
7:45 pm
I assume that somewhere in the responses are several jabs between Jackets and Dawgs. I’m a lifelong Jacket and I am proud for Mr. Demetric Evans. Congratulations young man.
godoggo
December 16th, 2011
8:12 pm
Very well said below, and im a Gator ! These are the stories WE need to hear today…..My best to your and your family Sir. —-
-
bucket / December 16th, 2011 / 10:35 am
What a great article, Chip. Mr. Evans’ phone should be blowing up from high school administrators wanting to get this guy to their school to tell his story.
-
John Maedel
December 16th, 2011
8:37 pm
Really well done. DawgNation is proud of you!
bob from smyrna
December 16th, 2011
9:00 pm
Tech fan here, but I love this kind of inspirational news. Evans story should be front page of the AJC (instead of all the police crime blotter stories) and in all the GA high school newspapers. Seen many succeed like this at Tech too! Bravo to them all.
2HLLWGA
December 16th, 2011
10:02 pm
This is what college sports are all about. I wish more would do this (from both schools).
A Jacket
December 16th, 2011
10:25 pm
I congratulate the young man on his accomplishments on and off the field. I don’t care where he went to school!!
Craig
December 16th, 2011
11:18 pm
great story!!! GO DAWGS!!!
Harriette Hall
December 17th, 2011
8:17 am
These are the stories that keep your heart happy.
Honest Ingine
December 17th, 2011
8:24 am
FACTS, Let’s go to the bank….
RedandBlackDAWG
December 17th, 2011
8:29 am
Facts,
Since you are so brilliant at pulling out some off the wall statistics, and slanting them towards your point of view, let’s further expand them a little. We will use the football program for some comparisons since this is after all, a blog about football.
What exactly would be the comparison of a tech players starting salary versus a UGA players starting salary? I am assuming that you were using averages right? So, we have on one hand a GA. Tech. grad. that doesn’t have a degree in engineering, if he has a degree at all, if he is one of the 55% of tech. students that played football, and gets a degree. What would you say he gets for a starting salary?
Compare that to the UGA football player that is among the 65% of them that do graduate and I would bet their starting salaries are pretty even. Now if you take the average of all players for both teams, graduates and non-graduates, it would tend to lean heavily towards UGA, since they probably triple techs. players going to the NFL, where the average salary for a first year player is a minimum of 650,000. See how easy it is to twist stats. around to favor your view point.
As for a starting salary of 50 grand, you say the average tech.grad. gets, that’s not a great amount of money, in today’s economy. I have been a die hard fan of UGA football for a long time now, and guess what? I didn’t graduate from there, because of my service career, but I did graduate from college. The average starting salary in my science is 93,400. This is just for the worker, not supervisor or manager. I would think, by your statistics that becoming some type of engineer, that you are settling for a mediocre pay check, after slaving through your tough academic load, as you claim. I am not bragging about the pay scale of my profession, since I am retired and when I left the field, I wasn’t getting that much. However, when I retired from my field I was getting as much as you say engineers start out with, and that was almost 16 years ago. I would imagine with inflation, that at that time, an engineer from your school, probably started out at 40 grand at most. What even makes it more stupid for you to use stats. like you did, is they are stats. are based almost entirely on your whole university population, not athletes exclusively. How much does a tech. football player make, that didn’t graduate and will not be going on to the NFL make, once he leaves the program?
Stats. are wonderful things, if the equations considers enough variables to make it a reasonable assumption, and conclusion. Other wise what you have, and you do have, nothing more than an assumption, and you know what assume equates to.
GT83
December 17th, 2011
9:19 am
Any student athlete who graduates at anytime ===> great job! The sports rivalries are fun, but it should be about the schools and academics, too.
Jack P
December 17th, 2011
11:06 am
You should be an inspiration to others rather than the drug dealers that many young people idolize. I admire you for keeping the promises you made to a very important person———–YOU.
flagboy?
December 17th, 2011
11:10 am
Congrats and great story.
flagboy?
December 17th, 2011
11:23 am
GA Tech mom
December 16th, 2011
12:16 pm
Contrats should be given to any athlete who goes back and complets his degree no matter the school.
As per whether Tech is global… it most definetely is. My son along with 6 others are getting PhD’s paid for by NASA. I wonder how many UGA kids won that scholarship…probably 0. My sons inventions will likely end up in Space. I wonder how many UGA grads can say that.
___________________________________
I seriously hope this was some college-aged kid pretending to be a mom. If not. . .well. .
And the next time you create a post on a blog to support some kind of mythical intellectual superiority, try to get your grammar in order.
That should be “son’s” rather than “sons”.