Lon Evans
Inducted: 1978
Guard: 1933-37
Height: 6'2"; Weight: 223
College: Texas Christian, 1930-32
HONORS
- Official NFL All-Pro Team (11-man team, chosen 1931-42): 1936, '37
Although Evans played only five seasons with the Packers, he was twice named to the 11-man official NFL all-pro team. He was chosen first team following the 1936 and '37 seasons and also received second-team honors in 1935.
In fact, Evans was a consensus all-pro and was credited with blocking a punt that set up a touchdown in the NFL Championship Game when the Packers won their fourth NFL title, but first under a playoff format in 1936. When Evans made second team in 1935, he did so despite playing in the shadow of fellow guard and future Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Michalske, who was chosen as one of the guards on the first team.
Evans had a reputation for being a hard-nosed, high-spirited, versatile lineman who probably was better on defense than offense back when players performed double duty. Although he played mostly guard, Evans could play tackle in a pinch and also move back and forth between the left and right sides. One of his biggest thrills, he once said, was playing four positions, both guard and both tackle spots, in a game against the Boston Redskins in 1934.
Another of Evans' more memorable games was when he recovered two fumbles in a loss to the Chicago Bears on Oct. 28, 1934.
"He was just a darn good lineman," said former teammate Bernie Scherer. "He was a finesse player, too. He was a heck of a player."
Coach Curly Lambeau announced Evans' signing on Aug. 7, 1933. Evans later said he signed with the Packers for $90 a game, passing on a similar offer from Washington.
Evans announced his retirement, due to the poor health of his business partner in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, in a letter he mailed to Lambeau in August 1938. Over five seasons, Evans played in 58 games and started 35, 29 at guard.
After leaving football, Evans served as sheriff of Tarrant County, Texas, for 24 years and was among the lawmen who welcomed President John F. Kennedy to the Dallas-Fort Worth area only hours before he was assassinated. Evans also worked as an NFL official in 1952 and again from 1957 to 1960.
Born Dec. 25, 1911, in Fort Worth, Texas. Given name Lon Worth Evans. Died Dec. 11, 1992, at age 80.
- By Cliff Christl
