First, the unfavorable news. Jahri Evans, a legend of the New Orleans Saints, will not be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in its Class of 2024. Other worthy players, including a few who had to wait longer than necessary to be inducted, were given preference. Evans will not be able to obtain his gold jacket and bronze bust in Canton for at least another year.
he good news is now aTvailable. Evans’s longer wait for such a significant acknowledgement is disappointing, but the reward might be worthwhile. Evans will receive the nod in the same year that Super Bowl LIX is played at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, assuming he is elected into the Class of 2025, which seems likely given that he advanced from the semifinals in his first year of eligibility to the finals in his second turn. That would be a very special event.
If not, then what? Evans may join his illustrious quarterback in the Hall of Fame if his case is debated for an additional year, until 2026. In 2026, Drew Brees will become the first player inducted into the Hall of Fame. This will be Evans’ fourth year of eligibility. It would be extremely special to have him and his best blocker in the same room as he is an unquestionable first-ballot Hall of Famer.
