Former Tennessee Titans striker Josh Evans died on Friday of cancer. He was 48 years old.
Evans spent six of his nine seasons in the NFL as a member of the Oilers / Titans. Evans joined the team as an untapped rookie in 1995 and worked his way to a starting position during the 1998 season.
The following year, Evans started 10 of 11 games for the Titans. The team continued to rely on Evans in the playoffs, where he started all four Titans playoff games that season, including Super Bowl XXXIV. The Titans lost the competition 23-16, staying just a yard from the St. Louis Rams. Evans ended the game with five tackles.
Evans missed the 2000 season after a substance abuse suspension. He returned in 2001, started all 16 games for the Titans and accumulated 5.5 bags. In that off-season, Evans joined the New York Jets. He returned in another strong season in 2006, starting every game and carrying six bags, a record for his career. Evans started two games for the Jets in the playoffs that year. The team lost to the Oakland Raiders in the divisional round.
In 2020, Evans revealed that he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Evans clarified his battle in June, telling the Titans’ website that he was fighting hard. Evans also asked fans to submit their prayers.
Titans release statement reminiscent of Josh Evans
Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk released a statement on Friday in honor of Evans. Strunk said he would remember Evans’ “big personality and even bigger smile”.
“I am so sad to hear that our Titan family lost Josh Evans today. His fight against cancer was one of courage and strength and his companions were at his side encouraging him throughout the fight. Let’s remember his great personality and an even bigger smile. We send our condolences to your family and friends at this difficult time. “
In October, the Titans named Evans as their 12th honorary man in their game against the Houston Texans.
Several former Evans teammates appeared in that video and sent words of encouragement to Evans.
The Titans won the game 42-36.
More from Yahoo Sports: