First, can you let me know how you got started with Nehemiah Builders, Inc. and the Ram Athletic Foundation, Inc. – including your contributions to youth sports after your NFL career? What prompted you to start those endeavors?
After retiring from the NFL, I moved back to my hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. My twin brother Ronald was in the construction business and a few of my family members were licensed general contractors. After working with family and learning the business, I decided to take classes to prepare for licensing.
After successfully becoming licensed, I started my own plan, design-build and renovation company. Coming from humble beginnings, my twin brother Ronald and I were the youngest of 18 children and my father passed when we were a year old. The poverty we endured compelled me to do better and be better. It is fulfilling to help others and give them an opportunity to excel and become their best self.
Having that door opened to me gave me the opportunity to develop and become the man I am today. This experience fostered a compassionate spirit that continued to grow inside of me. I believe it’s a very integral part of my life’s purpose.
Attending Winston-Salem State University and being coached by a legendary coach like William “Bill” Hayes was a gamechanger for me. It was a major part on my pathway that led to my career in the NFL.
Coach Hayes’ leadership and guidance, along with hard work and dedication, to being a student of the game, worked to my advantage. The educational and athletic program at Winston-Salem State helped me to prepare for my life’s journey.
What drives your desire to be so active and work with the dozens of charitable organizations and foundations you support?
I believe that serving my community is a part of my life mission. I read a powerful statement by the author and philanthropist Dr. Steve Maraboli, that describes one of my core values. It states: “A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”
This is a calling that I continue to answer daily in all my endeavors. We must continue to extend a helping hand and open arms to others to make certain that greatness continues. This concept birthed the idea to start the Ram Athletic Foundation to support the athletic programs at Winston Salem. We aspire to develop champions in the classroom, in competition, and in life. Only by embracing and instructing those who come after us can we be sure to secure the future.
How did your time in the NFL help you with that work – what lessons helped shape the way you approached Nehemiah Builders and the charity work you do?
Having the opportunity to do what I truly love professionally has positioned me financially to explore many philanthropic interests. The guidance of great coaches such as Chuck Noll, Joe Greene, Bill Cowher, Dom Capers and Steve Furness along with other influential figures, helped develop a broad, yet focused perspective both on and off the field.
Coach Greene instilled the mindset in me that through preparation, hard work, determination and having an imposing will, I won’t be denied. I still apply these principles today. In every venture I take on, I give it my all, with the vision that it’s already accomplished.
How difficult was the post-NFL adjustment for you – what made it easier and harder?
The distinction of playing in the NFL has presented connections, friendships and opened doors that I’m very grateful for. The transition was not as difficult as I anticipated. Although I still miss the game and my teammates, I stayed focused on my purpose while continuing to build and sustain the lifestyle I’d grown accustomed to providing for my family.
Since philanthropy was so important to me, I knew my post NFL career had to support these efforts. The injuries I sustained while playing in the NFL – broken ankle and multiple surgeries – challenged and caused physical limitations that I still deal with today. I remain resilient, determined and with God’s grace, I am an overcomer.
You excelled at football, basketball and track in high school. How did playing so many different sports – and football positions – help you as a young football player?
I loved playing sports and it kept me out of trouble. I believe playing sports teaches discipline as well as teamwork; especially when there’s a genuine desire to be the best. Playing more than one sport cultivated my God-given abilities, teaching skill sets and versatility while creating muscle memory is invaluable.
For example: training and competing in the 100 meter and 200 meter sprints in track strengthened my speed in playing football, while playing basketball strengthened my coordination, footwork and agility. I believe that the drive to refine my craft is what developed the mental edge that I needed to play football at the highest level.
You then continued with that versatility, playing halfback, tight end, linebacker then finally defensive end at Winston-Salem. Was it frustrating not being able to focus on one position? What made you excel at defensive end and become a second-round draft pick by the Rams?
No, it was not frustrating. Playing multiple positions strengthened my acuity on the field, as I was able to anticipate what both my teammates and opponents in those positions were trying to accomplish on any given play. As an athlete and student of the game, it was motivating to challenge myself and do well in every position the coaches placed me in. Coach Hayes prepared me for the NFL, and the rest is history.
I excelled as a defensive end due to my speed, versatility and athletic ability to get off the ball, play the run and rush the passer. I became a second-round pick because of the belief that NFL Area Scout Charles Bailey had in me. His influence to have an invite extended to participate in the 1987 NFL Scouting Combine gave me an opportunity to display my talent and athleticism to all 28 NFL teams. I had an outstanding performance and this prompted the LA Rams to select me as their number one draft pick (47 overall).
The Rams used you again as a running back, the Eagles then signed you as a
linebacker/defensive end and the Jets signed you as nosetackle. What made those teams decide to use you in those ways when you excelled as a defense end in college?
The coaches for those great teams saw my athletic ability, talent, and versatility of my skill set to play those positions; therefore, I made it my mission to prove that they made the right decision.
What made you decide to sign with the Steelers in 1990 – what made them attractive to you then and how were they different from the Rams and Eagles?
Since childhood I have been a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and The Steel Curtain defensive line. I am thankful to Charles Bailey and Tom Donahoe for inviting me to a workout. I had the opportunity to meet Joe Greene.
After meeting with Coach Greene and signing a contract, we discussed focusing on playing one position, and that was defensive end. My speed, strength and athletic ability attracted the Steelers to me.
All the teams were great to play with, but there is nothing like the Pittsburgh Steelers. The rich history of the franchise, notably the Rooneys, Steel Curtain, legendary coaches and Super Bowls are unmatched. The Steelers have the greatest fans in sports. The roar and excitement of Steeler Nation as you come out of the tunnel, inspires you to leave it all out on the field every down. To see those Terrible Towels waving is like seeing a sea of gold in the stands. There is nothing like it in all the NFL!!
Anyone take you under their wing in Pittsburgh – I know you weren’t a rookie but who helped you to get acclimated to Pittsburgh on and off the field -and how did they do so?
The one-and-only Joe Greene took me under his wing and continued to push me to be the best. Watching Joe as a player during the reign of the Steel Curtain was essential in my development as a player growing up. Coach Greene, imparting his wisdom and knowledge into players during my years in Pittsburgh, was instrumental in my development as an NFL player.
Steve Furness also helped me learn the 3-4 Zone Blitz scheme.
Reading articles about you over the years, you can see the praise guys like Bill Cowher, Joe Greene, Steve Furness, Jim Sweeney, Charles Bailey, Dom Capers and others heaped on you. What made your fit in Pittsburgh work so well – what about your style of play made you such a good player there?
I grew up in a blue-collar environment, so I believe in a good day’s work for a good day’s pay.
My approach was to be the first one there and the last one to leave and always be a student of the game. Pittsburgh is known for being a blue-collar town; this fit made us work well together. My athletic ability and speed along with my versatility drove my success during my tenure in Pittsburgh; the ability to play the run, rush the passer, and drop into coverage allowed me to be successful for Coaches Dom Capers, Dick LeBeau and Marvin Lewis in the 3-4 Zone Blitz defensive scheme.
What made you decide to leave Pittsburgh – how difficult was that and what did the team say to you about staying?
The ’93 season statistically was my best year. I wanted to sign with Pittsburgh; however, the New York Jets offered a more lucrative contract. I met with Dan Rooney and expressed my gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the Pittsburgh Family and Steeler Nation. I shared with him at that time, I would always be a Steeler.
Any fun experiences that stand out to you?
Playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers is a serious matter. All the guys were a joy to play with and there was nothing more fun than lining up on Sundays and winning for the Black & Gold. We all have our own unique personalities which allowed us to be great on and off the field.
Occasionally, Keith Willis, Terry Long, and long-time trainer Ralph Berlin would get into disagreements over some of the simplest things and those guys would go at it nonstop! It was hilarious, but it was all love.
Looking back at your career, your NFL success and Hall of Fame nominations, what stands out most to you about your time playing football, and why?
Each phase of my career gifted and prepared me for the next. As I ponder all the experiences, it’s clear to see that they all were necessary. Even the difficulties brought knowledge and wisdom. I’m humbled by the accolades; I’ve been blessed beyond measure and will never take it for granted.
Lastly, do you watch the NFL today? What do you think about the way the game has changed?
Yes, I do watch the NFL today. I believe the game is not as physical as it used to be when I played. I believe the game is faster now with even more of a focus on offense and the quarterback.
With the rules, it makes for a more fun game for a casual fan to watch. I’m also glad to see the precautions taken to protect the players, as hopefully it will prepare them for life after football as well.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
If not for your name Mr. Evans and a few of the technical sports related questions I would have guessed your responses to be those of my late grandfather George Black. Such exceptional excellence isn’t easy to come by in today’s world. Congratulations ❤ and continued success with blessings yet unrealized!
Evelyn Abrams Terry
This Article Moved me ..not because I was a Teammate at WSSU with Donald Evans ,but to hear of his early life story that I never knew. He losing a father at a young age and overcoming his personal obstacles as a young black man and his grand accomplishments on and off the field. As A freshman and even now, I will always be a Donald Evans friend and fan for life. My Man E Champion
Donald is my cousin by marriage. Donald was an amazing athlete and even better person.
Donald I always considers you a good friend. We got to WSSU the same year and I remember hanging out on the block as we all were trying to find our ways through life. You were always respectful and kind to my cousin Jeanne and I. So proud of you my friend and glad that God is blessing you and your family with greatness. Keep up the good work my friend.