Saints Sideline Blog

SAINT TURNED SPORTSCASTER

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011      Email Print

DATELINE: OXNARD, CA (Heath Evans calls it quits)

Here on the left coast, I officially welcomed Heath Evans to the dark side----his reply "for me its the very very bright side." Its official, the former Saint  is now a full fledged member of the fourth estate, yeah the media. After a few cameos on ESPN, Evans is moving his family to Los Angeles where he has signed a deal with the NFL Network. It seems to be a media marriage made in heaven for the loquacious former fullback. A change that's been in the works, but still a change Heath thought long and hard about.

Just a  few weeks ago Heath Evans would never have imagined he would be in California covering the Saints as he did on Tuesday---he was convinced he would be practicing with them. After working out with the team at Camp Brees at Tulane during the lockout , Evans wanted and expected to be a part of the organization .In  the end though, the team decided to go young with upstart fullbacks Jed Collins and Korey Hall. I got the feeling talking to Heath that he had options around the league but he told me it all came down to playing for with one of his former favorite teams---either the Patriots orSaints.Neither expressed interest---so the writing was on the wall to start a new career.

Its no surprise Evans is now a media star---he was always the go to guy in the locker room. Never at a loss for words,Heath will score on TV as much as he did with the Saints. His multiple Super Bowl rings will carry some cache as will his relationships with current players. What should really separate Evans in his new line of work is his penchant never to shy away from offering an opinion. Whether its on the lockout, the Cam Newton controversy surrounding his alma mater in Auburn or weighing in on former teammate Randy Moss---Evans has always spoke his mind which will extend his shelf life in his new career. He may not have the big name other recent retirees have, but Evans won't shy away from expressing himself like many former athletes do.

Heath only played two seasons in New Orleans but made his mark on and off the field. He was a huge addition early in the 2009 Super Saints season scoring three touchdowns and proving to be a key blocker for the likes of Bush and Pierre Thomas. The lowpoint was a season ending knee injury in Miami which prevented him from enjoying the team's run back to South Florida. Still he was a needed locker room leader on and off the field. His annual charity softball game which raised money for abused children made him a leader in the community as well.

Evans says his agent didn't want him to quit football but he knew it was time. Don't expect him to pull a Favre even though he looks like he could still put on the pads and play today. Heath feels he still can still play as well--something I'm sure he won't be shy telling his future audience. The former 2001 third round draft pick beat the NFL odds where he enjoyed a 10 year career which included stops in Seattle, Miami, New England and finally the Who Dat Nation. Now every team will hear what this former Saint has to say----Evans has walked the walk, now its time to talk the talk.

AROUND THE CAMPFIRE

NICKS IS NEGATIVE---Sean Payton says he was worried about the status of Carl Nicks sore knee but the X-rays are negative which of course is a big positive. He will miss the next week but should be more than ready for the opener against Green Bay.

INGRAM OUT---Mark Ingram missed Tuesday's workout with swelling in his left knee. He  will likely miss today as well but Payton says its just being on the safe side and he expects the Saints rookie to be back at full force later in the week adding "its nothing serious."

SUSPENSION REDUCED?? In the never ending Star Caps saga---several published reports say the suspensions could be reduced from 4-to-2 games which of course would be great news for WIll Smith. The case remains an unresolved issue between the NFL and Players Association on a new drug testing policy. The NFL has declined comment---stay tuned!

PAYING THE PIPER---Following its un-Gregg WIlliams-like performance vs the Texans---the Saints D was penalized with several up-downs during practice. Jonathan Vilma wasn't surprised, "We knew that was coming. We are more disappointed in ourselves and not really worrying about what the coaches are thinking or saying It's about us wanting to get better."

FREE WILLIE---Arguably the most decorated Saint of all time, Willie Roaf was a guest at Camp California this week. The 11 time pro bowler lives in Anaheim now and made the two hour trip to see his old team. He tells me he was a bit disappointed not to make the Hall of Fame on his first try this past year but is hopeful he will get to Canton and join Rickey Jackson soon.

JUNIOR WATCH---The most recent injury was to Saints DL Junior Gallette in Tuesday's practice----he was down for several minutes with what Payton described as an injury to his left knee---no word on the severity.

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT----Best line from Payton of camp so far may have come when he was asked by a local reporter here in California "Is one running back in particular going to get most of the carries?"  Payton replied " That's a fantasy football question. isn't it?" Nice touch coach and sorry fantasy owners he didn't show his cards but did hint both Chris Ivory and Joique Bell are guys who "could" factor in. 

UNTIL NEXT BLOG,

Mike Nabors

CST

By: Mike Nabors

An Emmy award winning sports reporter who covers a wide variety of events for CST. Primarily, Mike serves as the network's reporter for Saints coverage.

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