Seahawks Q&A: Fullback Evans is ultimate team player
KIRKLAND — Something changed Heath Evans' life in April, and on Monday afternoon he whipped out his cell phone to provide the proof.
There's Ava, his 6-month-old daughter, digitized and darling. She's sitting on a bed, smiling at the camera, wisps of hair flying in all directions. Evans smiled. Life is good.
He's still playing in the NFL after a training camp filled with doubt. He's still backing up Mack Strong, still playing special teams, still fishing for bass on the Florida lakes he still calls home.
And on Sunday, when Strong sprained his knee, Evans stepped into the extended fullback role he has waited so long for. He estimated that he played about 60 snaps between offense and special teams.
In the following conversation, Evans talks about that playing time, his future, his hobbies, his Sunday fumble and his daughter.
Seattle Times: So how did Ava change your life?
Heath Evans: "My saving grace. I always wanted a girl first because I figured she would change my life more than a son. She's such a joy. The thing about kids, if you're not a servant already, they're going to teach you to serve. It's an awesome feeling."
ST: You probably didn't feel awesome Monday morning after all those snaps.
HE: "Actually, I felt good. At halftime, they were a little worried about me cramping up. So they gave me an IV. I felt like I could have played another whole game."
ST: What happened on the fumble?
HE: "It was one of those perfect hits. You hold the ball high and tight. When you get a helmet in that spot, your arm moves. It's almost a natural reaction. Your wrist doesn't break. Your elbow cocks out. And the ball just takes off. Good thing I got that thing back."
ST: What were you like growing up?
HE: "I was ADD (attention deficit disorder). I'd be all over the place. I had it diagnosed. I was on Ritalin. I was very hyperactive as a young child. Very disciplined, but a lot of nervous energy. My dad was a Marine, so I was never disrespectful."
ST: How did that work at school?
HE: "I went to a private school. They gave out demerits. Every day I'd have five or six or seven of them. You're only allowed 10 in a week. Just stupid stuff. I struggled with school all the way up until my junior year of high school. Then I was diagnosed. School became very easy for me. College was a breeze."
ST: How did that work with football? How were you able to focus there?
HE: "I never struggled with it in football. Football was what focused me. I had a lot of trouble with reading comprehension. But you put a playbook in front of me, and it just flows in my mind. It really does vary."
ST: Do you have any other hobbies?
HE: "I love bass fishing. Back in the south, back in Florida, that's my thing."
ST: What's the biggest fish you've ever caught?
HE: "I caught a big, pregnant momma when I was about 15. People laugh at me because the thing was so beautiful I have a ton of pictures of it. The color on a bass during spawning season is absolutely beautiful. They spread out on the side, so the color comes out more. In the Florida sun, you hold the thing up, and it's just beautiful."
ST: What do you think about out there on the lake?
HE: "Most of the time, I think about how I'm not catching any fish. It's just peaceful. I can reflect, have a good time."
ST: Since the Seahawks took you in the third round of the 2001 NFL draft, you've played behind the man they call The Fountain of Youth. How frustrating has that been?
HE: "You love to compete. But it's been a pleasure being behind Mack. I've had three healthy years, and I've learned so much. Really, this year was kind of the bubble year. Getting past this year, I should be in the league for a long time. Hopefully, Mack has just added three or four years to the end of my career."
ST: You're a free agent after this season. Are you planning to stick around? Are you pushing for more playing time?
HE: "I'll never push here. I trust this coaching staff. That's not my style. I firmly believe that the Lord sets up kings and rulers. My time is coming."