NFL running back Zach Evans has announced his retirement at just 24 years old in a move that should leave fans stunned.
The former Ole Miss star is closing the chapter on a professional career that never quite took off, with the New York Jets placing him on the reserve/retired list this Monday.
Evans, a five-star recruit out of Texas, entered the pros with high expectations after being ranked as the No. 2 running back in the 2020 class and the No. 16 overall prospect in the nation.
Following spells at TCU and Old Miss, and having registered 936 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in his final season with the Rebels, he was a sixth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2023.
However, his college exploits would not translate to personal success in the NFL.
Evans made just nine carries for 19 rushing yards in 10 appearances for the Rams as a rookie and spent most of the 2024 season without a team before joining the Jets’ practice squad late in the campaign.
Zach Evans Got A Shot At Redemption
Evans signed a reserve/future contract with the team in January, which offered him an opportunity to salvage his career. But his retirement announcement has seen it come to an abrupt end.
“The Jets placed RB Zach Evans on the reserve/retired list,” the team announced on Monday. “Evans (5-11, 211) signed a reserve/futures contract with the Green & White on Jan. 6.”
The Jets finished the 2024 season with a 5-12 record and have revamped their offense. Still, Breece Hall remains their No. 1 running back option, with Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis expected to contribute to the run game as well.
Zach Evans’ retirement is a sobering reminder that supreme talent is not all it takes to carve out a long career in the pros.
We wish him the best in his future endeavors.
