University of Oklahoma Athletics

Teammates Offer Support to Evans

Teammates Offer Support to Evans

October 03, 2016 | Football

By: Digital Team

NORMAN, Okla. -- Head coach Bob Stoops announced Monday that redshirt sophomore linebacker Tay Evans' career has ended prematurely due to repeated concussions. The decision was made between OU team doctors and Evans' family last Thursday evening.

Upon the announcement Monday, Evans offered a thank-you message to his teammates, coaches and all of Sooner Nation on his official Twitter account:

"Sooner Nation, I want to say thanks for all the kind words of encouragement. Although this is a tough time for me, I trust in God's plan and I know he has something great in store for me. I want to thank all of the coahing staff, Coach Stoops and Coach Kish for giving me a chance to do something I've always dreamed of doing and I'm sorry it had to end so soon. To my teammates, I love y'all and will be cheering y'all on all season and I'm thankful to be able to call y'all my brothers. Much love. ☝️ #SoonerNation"

Immediately, Evans' fellow teammates offered words of support and encouragement via social media:

Junior S Steven Parker

Freshman LB Caleb Kelly

Junior LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo

Sophomore LB Curtis Bolton

Former Sooner P.L. Lindley

Former Sooner Joey Palange

Evans has been offered the opportunity to serve as a student coach for the Sooners by Coach Stoops. He will receive a full medical scholarship to cover the cost of his remaining education, though the scholarship will not count against the football program's allotment of 85 allowed by the NCAA.

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Players Mentioned

Curtis Bolton

LB
/ Football

Tay Evans

LB
/ Football

Caleb Kelly

LB
/ Football

P.L. Lindley

LB
/ Football

Steven Parker

S
/ Football

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