Legendary former New Orleans Saints offensive guard Jahri Evans has been left out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame for another year. Evans was among 15 finalists announced in December for the Class of 2025 by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
Four players were elected for this year's Hall of Fame induction, which unfortunately did not include Jahri Evans. This year's Hall of Fame class was announced at the NFL Honors event, held at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans on Thursday night.
The Class of 2025 for the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
• Eric Allen, CB
• Jared Allen, DE
• Antonio Gates, TE
• Sterling Sharpe, WR (Sr. candidate)
While Evans was overlooked, one former Saint did get his call for Canton. Cornerback Eric Allen had an outstanding 14-year NFL career from 1988 to 2001. Allen played for the New Orleans Saints from 1995 to 1997. Over those three years he made one Pro Bowl and had 5 of his 54 career interceptions.
This was the third year of eligibility for Evans. He was a semifinalist in 2023 and has been among the finalists for the last two years. No disrespect towards the terrific players who were elected this year, but few had a more deserving career than Jahri Evans.
Jahri Evans NFL Career
A current offensive line coach for New Orleans, Evans was a fourth round selection by the Saints in the 2006 NFL Draft out of tiny Bloomsburg in Eastern Pennsylvania. A strong training camp surprisingly earned Evans a starting job at right guard as a rookie.
In his 11 years with the Saints, Evans started 179 of a possible 186 games through 2016. He was selected to the 2006 All-Rookie Team, one of several honors to follow. He'd make six straight Pro Bowls from 2009 to 2014. For four consecutive years between 2009 and 2012, Evans was a 1st Team All-Pro selection.
A fixture at right guard, Evans was a standout on one of the league's top offensive lines. He was a vital part of a New Orleans offense that put together one of the most productive stretches in NFL history. He supplied exemplary pass protection for QB Drew Brees while also leading an underrated running game for a devastating balanced attack.
Evans was voted onto both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Reference All-Decade 2010s Team. He'd put together an incredible 122 consecutive starts, including playoffs, from 2006 to 2013 while maintaining an elite level of play.
Retiring after one year with the Green Bay Packers in 2017, Evans left the game as one of the more decorated offensive linemen in NFL history. He started his coaching career as an intern with the Saints during 2022 training camp. Since 2023, he's been an assistant offensive line coach for the team.
Evans was already a member of the Saints Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame. This past season, Evans was also inducted into the Saints Ring of Honor.
Unfortunately, Jahri Evans will have to wait at least one more year before possibly receiving a much-deserved honor of NFL Hall of Famer.
