Former New York Giants running back Charlie Evans has passed away at the age of 76. He died at his home in Longview, Texas, on November 4, though the cause of death has not been revealed.
Evans was drafted by the Giants in the 1971 NFL Draft and initially spent time on a secondary squad. His breakout moment came when injuries hit the team, giving him the opportunity to shine. Over a three-game span, Evans scored five touchdowns, proving himself as a key contributor.
One of the highlights of his career came in 1971, when he scored three touchdowns in a memorable 35-17 victory over the San Diego Chargers. Unfortunately, his season was cut short when he broke his leg during a game against the Denver Broncos.
Evans continued to play for the Giants through the 1973 season before moving on to the Washington Football Team in 1974, which turned out to be his final season in the NFL. Reflecting on his career after retirement, Evans shared the emotional realization of life after football. “The hardest thing to realize when you get out of the game is the fact that you don’t get any more freebies,” he said in a 1974 interview with *Newsday*. “You don’t get any more checks picked up by people you never met because they know who you are. You don’t sign any autographs. Nobody wants you.”
Evans was also involved in the NFL’s concussion protocol research group, and in line with his commitment to the cause, his body has been donated for further research.
