Jahri Evans
Jahri Divine Evans (born August 22, 1983) is an American football coach and former football guard who played in the National Football League (NFL). He currently serves as an offensive assistant for the New Orleans Saints. He played college football for the Bloomsburg Huskies. Evans was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL draft and won Super Bowl XLIV with the team over the Indianapolis Colts. He has also been a member of the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers.
New Orleans Saints
Offensive assistant
August 22, 1983
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
318 lb (144 kg)
Frankford (Philadelphia)
Bloomsburg (2002–2005)
2006 / Round: 4 / Pick: 108
183
183
183
High school career[edit]
Unusual for an NFL player, Evans did not play football until high school. He attended Frankford High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was an All-Public League selection as a junior. However, Evans fractured his leg playing a game of pickup basketball at a church event prior to his senior year and missed the entire football season.[3] While sidelined he focused on academics, graduating 10th in his class, and with the help of his high school coach, Tom Mullineaux, was admitted to Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.[3] In fact, Evans did not attend Bloomsburg on an athletic scholarship, but rather an academic scholarship.[3]
College career[edit]
Evans attended Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, where he played for the Bloomsburg Huskies football team. After redshirting his first year, he spent his freshman season as a reserve offensive lineman. He was heavily motivated to make the starting lineup, battling other offensive linemen like Lakeland Chiefs Kyle Miller. By his sophomore year, he took over as the starter at left tackle and went on to anchor the Huskies offensive line for the following three seasons. He was awarded All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference honors in each of those seasons, while earning Division II "Little All-American" selections in his junior and senior years.[4]
As a junior, Evans had 88 knockdowns with 10 blocks resulting in a touchdown. In his senior season, he opened holes for fellow Little All-America selection Jamar Brittingham, who ran for 2,260 yards and 32 touchdowns. He was a finalist for the Division II Gene Upshaw Offensive Player of the Year Award in each of final two seasons.
Fraternity Membership
In addition to his academic and athletic achievements, Jahri Evans also engaged in Greek life during his time at Bloomsburg University. He pledged the Alpha Eta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as an undergraduate. His involvement with the fraternity continued well beyond his college years, as he is not only a life member of Omega Psi Phi but also actively participates in the fraternity's activities through the Eta Mu Nu Chapter. This experience not only enriched his college life but also connected him to a historic and influential network of African American leaders and professionals. Omega Psi Phi, founded in 1911 at Howard University, is known for its emphasis on community service, academic excellence, and the upliftment of African American communities. Evans' lifelong commitment and active participation in the fraternity demonstrate his dedication to the Cardinal Principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift in both his personal and professional life.
Coaching career[edit]
Evans served as a preseason coaching intern in 2022 with the New Orleans Saints as part of the NFL's minority coach internship program.[17] He joined the Saints full time staff as an offensive assistant during the 2023 season.[18]
Personal life[edit]
Evans graduated from Bloomsburg in May 2007 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science. In 2009, he established a full scholarship for out-of-state minority students enrolled in BU's Master of Science in clinical athletic training program.[19] He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.[20]
In 2013, Evans married his girlfriend, Takia, in the Bahamas.[21]
In August 2015, Evans bought a share of the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League, joining his Saints teammate Marques Colston, who had bought a piece of the team in 2014.[22] He is currently serving as a preseason coaching intern with the New Orleans Saints as part of the NFL's minority coach internship program.[23]