Long-time NFL wide receiver Lee Evans has his sites set on returning to the league. The Cleveland, Ohio native — perhaps most well-known for dropping a pass that would have put the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl a year ago — has spent the last year reflecting and rehabilitating with hopes of getting an opportunity in what has increasingly become a younger man’s game.
“My goal is to play in the NFL again,” said Evans to the Associated Press. “And if I am afforded that opportunity, I will be fully prepared and absolutely capable of competing at the highest level.”
Evans was cut in the preseason last summer by Jacksonville, a team not exactly overloaded with receivers, but continues to be linked to the Ravens as they embark on another chance at a Super Bowl. With 27 seconds to go in the AFC Championship game, Joe Flacco connected with Evans — on a second-down play — in the deep right corner of the end zone, but defensive back Sterling Moore knocked the ball to the ground. Though the Ravens would attempt to tie the game, kicker Billy Cundiff missed the subsequent field goal attempt.
In an interview with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Evans showed the countless photographs he possesses which show him dropping that very ball — frame, enlarged and used for motivation. In 118 career games, Evans has hauled in 381 passes for 6,008 yards and 43 touchdowns, averaging 15.8 yards per reception. He will turn 32-years old in March.
“Life brings you highs and lows,” he said, “and you have to keep that in perspective.”
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