Charlie Evans, a key player for the New York Giants back in the early 1970s, passed away on November 4 at his home in Texas at the age of 76. Evans was known not only for his skill on the field but also for his perseverance and work ethic. Though a cause of death was not announced, his legacy in the NFL and his contributions to the game will be remembered, especially by Giants fans who saw him play in an era that shaped today’s football.
Drafted out of USC in 1971, Evans initially faced challenges breaking into the Giants’ lineup, spending the first month on what was then called the “taxi squad” — essentially, players under contract but not part of the active roster. This position often came with its share of hardships. As Evans recalled, it wasn’t glamorous. “It’s kind of lonely back there,” he told *The New York Times*, describing the isolation of an auxiliary dressing room in Yankee Stadium. “Sometimes they forget about you, and when you look in your locker there won’t be any clean sweats, or jocks, or undershirts.” Yet, Evans stuck it out, proving that he was willing to do the hard work required of any underdog.
Opportunity finally knocked when injuries opened a spot on the active roster. Evans wasted no time making his mark, scoring five touchdowns over three games, including a memorable three-touchdown performance in a 35-17 victory against the Chargers. That game marked the final season for legendary quarterback Fran Tarkenton with the Giants before he returned to the Minnesota Vikings. Tarkenton’s leadership and Evans’ tenacity proved a formidable combination. “Tarkenton would call his own plays, and you had better do what you were asked to do on each play,” Evans recalled, showcasing the level of discipline required in an era when quarterbacks commanded respect and teams relied on grit rather than glamour.
Evans’ 1972 season had its highlight in a dominant 45-21 win over the Saints, where he ran for two touchdowns and caught a third, amassing 87 yards on 17 carries. Unfortunately, his season was cut short by a broken leg suffered in a matchup with the Broncos, ending what could have been a breakout year. After another season with the Giants in 1973, Evans spent his final NFL year with Washington in 1974 before hanging up his cleats.
In retirement, Evans faced the familiar struggles that come with leaving a high-profile career. He reflected on the jarring reality for many former players. “The hardest thing to realize when you get out of the game is the fact that you don’t get any more freebies,” he told *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.” Despite these challenges, he remained philosophical and grateful for his time in the NFL.
Evans donated his body to NFL concussion research, honoring a commitment to helping future players understand the toll the game can take. Despite the health issues he experienced from his time on the field, he had no regrets. “It’s part of the game, part of what you love, part of what you wanted to do, and the way I look at it, okay, what came along, came along. I can’t do anything about that,” he said, embodying the resilience and heart that defined his career.
Charlie Evans’ story serves as a reminder of a different era in professional football — one where players like Evans fought their way up from obscurity, often without the fanfare or the financial security afforded to today’s stars. His grit, resilience, and dedication leave a legacy that resonates with fans who appreciate the heart and soul he brought to the game.
