# Jason Avant > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Jason_Avant > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Jason_Avant.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Avant > Source revision: 1355628047 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|American football player (born 1983)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}} {{Infobox NFL biography | name = Jason Avant | image = Jason Avant.JPG | caption = Avant with the [Philadelphia Eagles](/source/Philadelphia_Eagles) in 2013 | number = 81 | position = [Wide receiver](/source/Wide_receiver) | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|4|20|mf=y}} | birth_place = [Chicago, Illinois](/source/Chicago), U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 0 | weight_lbs = 210 | high_school = [Carver](/source/Carver_Military_Academy) (Chicago) | college = [Michigan](/source/Michigan_Wolverines_football) (2002–2005) | draftyear = 2006 | draftround = 4 | draftpick = 109 | pastteams = * [Philadelphia Eagles](/source/Philadelphia_Eagles) ({{NFL Year|2006}}–{{NFL Year|2013}}) * [Carolina Panthers](/source/Carolina_Panthers) ({{NFL Year|2014}}) * [Kansas City Chiefs](/source/Kansas_City_Chiefs) ({{NFL Year|2014}}–{{NFL Year|2015}}) | highlights = * First-team [All-Big Ten](/source/List_of_All-Big_Ten_Conference_football_teams) ([2005](/source/2005_All-Big_Ten_Conference_football_team)) * 2× Second-team All-Big Ten ([2003](/source/2003_All-Big_Ten_Conference_football_team), [2004](/source/2004_All-Big_Ten_Conference_football_team)) * [Bo Schembechler](/source/Bo_Schembechler) Award (2005) | statlabel1 = [Receptions](/source/Reception_(gridiron_football)) | statvalue1 = 346 | statlabel2 = [Receiving yards](/source/Receiving_yards) | statvalue2 = 4,118 | statlabel3 = [Receiving touchdowns](/source/Touchdown) | statvalue3 = 13 | pfr = AvanJa00 }} '''Jason Raye Avant''' (born April 20, 1983) is an American former professional [football](/source/American_football) player who was a [wide receiver](/source/wide_receiver) in the [National Football League](/source/National_Football_League) (NFL). He played [college football](/source/college_football) at the [University of Michigan](/source/Michigan_Wolverines_football) and was selected by the [Philadelphia Eagles](/source/Philadelphia_Eagles) in the fourth round of the [2006 NFL draft](/source/2006_NFL_draft). Avant was also a member of the [Carolina Panthers](/source/Carolina_Panthers) and [Kansas City Chiefs](/source/Kansas_City_Chiefs). ==Early life== Avant attended [Carver Military Academy](/source/Carver_Military_Academy) in [Chicago](/source/Chicago), [Illinois](/source/Illinois), graduating in 2002. He spent his freshman year of high school in [Decatur, IL](/source/Decatur%2C_Illinois) at [MacArthur High School](/source/MacArthur_High_School_(Decatur%2C_Illinois)).{{cite web |url=http://www.csnphilly.com/football-philadelphia-eagles/jason-avants-miraculous-journey-nfl |title=Jason Avant's miraculous journey to the NFL | Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia |access-date=2016-01-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205133420/http://www.csnphilly.com/football-philadelphia-eagles/jason-avants-miraculous-journey-nfl |archive-date=2016-02-05 }} While in high school at Carver, Avant played both on [defense](/source/Defense_(sport)), as a [free safety](/source/Safety_(American_football_position)), and [offense](/source/Offense_(sports)), as a [wide receiver](/source/wide_receiver). He set school records for [receptions](/source/Reception_(gridiron_football)) (148), receiving yards (2,150), [touchdowns](/source/touchdowns) (37), and [interception](/source/interception)s (18). After his senior season, he was named a High School [All-America](/source/All-America)n at free safety.{{cite web | title =4th Rd. (109th): WR Jason Avant, Michigan | work =Philadelphia Eagles.com | publisher =Philadelphia Eagles | date =April 30, 2006 | url =http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNewsDetail.jsp?id=47941 | access-date =2007-01-20 | url-status =dead | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20061028081603/http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNewsDetail.jsp?id=47941 | archive-date =October 28, 2006 }} He played in the 2002 [U.S. Army All-American Bowl](/source/U.S._Army_All-American_Bowl). ==College career== At the [University of Michigan](/source/University_of_Michigan), Avant played as a [wide receiver](/source/wide_receiver) and on [special teams](/source/special_teams). He played sparingly as a freshman, but as a sophomore emerged as the [Wolverines](/source/Michigan_Wolverines_football)' number-two receiver, behind [Braylon Edwards](/source/Braylon_Edwards). During his sophomore season in 2003, Avant caught 47 passes for 772 yards. As a junior, he was the team's second leading receiver. In his senior year, Avant led the team in receptions (82), receiving yards (1,007), and receiving touchdowns (eight). In his final two seasons, Avant was named as a candidate for the [Fred Biletnikoff Award](/source/Fred_Biletnikoff_Award), given to the nation's top receiver. After his senior season, he was named an honorable mention All-American and was given the [Bo Schembechler](/source/Bo_Schembechler) Award as Michigan's most valuable player. ==Professional career== {{NFL predraft | height ft = 6 | height in = 0 1/2 | weight = 212 | dash = 4.62 | shuttle = 4.19 | cone drill = 7.02 | vertical = 37.0 | broad ft = 10 | broad in = 4 | bench = 20 | arm span = 32 | hand span = 8 7/8 | note = Sources:{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jason-avant/32004156-4144-4955-d1cc-84d1ec3da814 |title=Jason Avant Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=June 11, 2023}}{{Cite web |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=10037&DraftYear=2006 |title=2006 NFL Draft Scout Jason Avant College Football Profile |access-date=June 11, 2023 |website=DraftScout.com}} }} ===Philadelphia Eagles=== Avant was [drafted](/source/NFL_draft) in the fourth round of the [2006 NFL draft](/source/2006_NFL_draft) by the [Philadelphia Eagles](/source/Philadelphia_Eagles).{{Cite web |title=2006 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/draft.htm |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} The Eagles traded a sixth round draft pick and tackle [Artis Hicks](/source/Artis_Hicks) to the [Minnesota Vikings](/source/Minnesota_Vikings) for the pick used to take Avant. In a post-draft interview, Eagles [head coach](/source/head_coach) [Andy Reid](/source/Andy_Reid) said Avant "has great hands, toughness, leadership; he's very intelligent and a good route runner."{{cite web | title =Draft-weekend trades | work =NFL.com | publisher =NFL Enterprises LLC | url =http://www.nfl.com/draft/drafttracker/trades | access-date =2007-01-20 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070118043352/http://www.nfl.com/draft/drafttracker/trades |archive-date = 2007-01-18}} Scouting reports projected him as a consistent possession receiver who lacked the speed to be a deep threat.{{cite news | title =NFL Draft: Jason Avant | work =SI.com | publisher =CNN/Sports Illustrated | url =http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2006/draft/players/18766.html | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20060503140430/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2006/draft/players/18766.html | url-status =dead | archive-date =May 3, 2006 | access-date =2007-01-20 }} As a part of the Eagles crowded receiving corps, Avant saw limited playing time with the offense in his [rookie](/source/rookie) season. He had his best performance—four receptions for forty yards and one touchdown—in the final game of the season, while the Eagles rested their starters for the [playoffs](/source/2006_Philadelphia_Eagles_season). After the 2009 season, in which he set new career-highs in all three categories with 41 receptions for 587 yards and 3 touchdowns, Avant was named to the [USA Today All-Joe Team](/source/USA_Today_All-Joe_Team) for his stellar play in the slot position.{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-01-26-all-joe-team_N.htm | work=USA Today | title=Joe Flacco an overachieving headliner on '09 All-Joe Team | first=Nate | last=Davis | date=2010-01-28 | access-date=2010-05-05}} 32 of Avant's 37 catches on third down resulted in a first down. He was re-signed to a five-year contract on March 8, 2010.{{cite web |author=McLane, Jeff |title=Eagles sign Avant to 5-year deal |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/Eagles_sign_Avant_to_5.html |publisher=Philly.com |date=March 8, 2010 |access-date=2010-03-08}} He was named the Eagles' [Ed Block Courage Award](/source/Ed_Block_Courage_Award) recipient for 2010. Avant was released from the Philadelphia Eagles on March 4, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/eagles/Eagles-release-Jason-Avant.html |title=Eagles release Jason Avant |date=March 4, 2014 |access-date=2014-03-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304004001/http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/eagles/Eagles-release-Jason-Avant.html |archive-date=2016-03-04 }} Avant was amongst the unexpected and controversial roster moves under [Chip Kelly](/source/Chip_Kelly), which also included trading [Nick Foles](/source/Nick_Foles), releasing [DeSean Jackson](/source/DeSean_Jackson), trading [LeSean McCoy](/source/LeSean_McCoy), and re-signing [Riley Cooper](/source/Riley_Cooper).{{cite web|title=Philadelphia Eagles Have Been Busy: Jason Peters, Riley Cooper, Jason Kelce and Jeremy Maclin Have Been Re-signed|url=http://www.sportsmedia101.com/philadelphiaeagles/2014/02/28/philadelphia-eagles-have-been-busy-riley-cooper-jason-kelce-and-jeremy-maclin-have-been-re-signed/|access-date=2014-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305215938/http://www.sportsmedia101.com/philadelphiaeagles/2014/02/28/philadelphia-eagles-have-been-busy-riley-cooper-jason-kelce-and-jeremy-maclin-have-been-re-signed/|archive-date=2014-03-05|url-status=dead}} ===Carolina Panthers=== On April 7, 2014, Avant signed a one-year deal with the [Carolina Panthers](/source/Carolina_Panthers).{{cite web |url=http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Panthers-sign-WR-Avant/839c9da3-612a-4163-bb92-49dbb18a0f24 |title=Panthers sign WR Avant |access-date=2014-04-07 |date=2014-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408221555/http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Panthers-sign-WR-Avant/839c9da3-612a-4163-bb92-49dbb18a0f24 |archive-date=2014-04-08 |url-status=dead }} In week 2 against the Detroit Lions, Avant scored his first touchdown with the Panthers in a 24–7 win, finishing the game with five catches for 54 yards as well. It was [Cam Newton](/source/Cam_Newton)'s first touchdown pass of the season as he had not played in week 1.[https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554249 Cam Newton, Panthers top Lions to improve to 2-0] On November 18, 2014, Avant was released by the Panthers.[https://www.foxnews.com/sports/panthers-cut-receiver-jason-avant-place-offensive-tackle-nate-chandler-on-injured-reserve Panthers cut receiver Jason Avant] Coach [Ron Rivera](/source/Ron_Rivera) stated that Avant was released to allow more opportunities for rookie receiver [Philly Brown](/source/Philly_Brown).http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/panthers-release-avant-place-chandler-on-ir-111814{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ===Kansas City Chiefs=== Avant signed with the [Kansas City Chiefs](/source/Kansas_City_Chiefs) in November 2014, reuniting him with his former Eagles coach [Andy Reid](/source/Andy_Reid). He finished the 2014 season with 34 receptions, 352 yards and only 1 TD. On March 13, 2015, he re-signed with the Chiefs.[http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/13/chiefs-re-sign-jason-avant-kelcie-mccray-and-richard-gordon/ Chiefs re-sign Jason Avant, Kelcie McCray and Richard Gordon] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118094919/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/13/chiefs-re-sign-jason-avant-kelcie-mccray-and-richard-gordon/ |date=November 18, 2016 }} In Avant's 2015 season, he recorded only 15 catches for 119 yards for zero touchdowns. Avant was held without a catch 9 out of the 16 games he played.{{Cite web|title = Jason Avant|url = https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/9695/jason-avant|website = ESPN.com|access-date = 2016-01-16}} Avant had his best game of the season in a Divisional Playoff loss to the [New England Patriots](/source/New_England_Patriots), having 4 receptions for 69 yards. ==NFL career statistics== {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" ! colspan="2"| Legend |- | '''Bold''' | Career high |} === Regular season === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !rowspan="2"| Year !rowspan="2"| Team !colspan="2"| Games !colspan="6"| Receiving |- ! GP !! GS !! Tgt!! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD |- ! [2006](/source/2006_NFL_season) !! [PHI](/source/2006_Philadelphia_Eagles_season) | 8 || 3 || 14 || 7 || 68 || 9.7 || 18 || 1 |- ! [2007](/source/2007_NFL_season) !! [PHI](/source/2007_Philadelphia_Eagles_season) | 15 || 5 || 33 || 23 || 267 || 11.6 || 31 || 2 |- ! [2008](/source/2008_NFL_season) !! [PHI](/source/2008_Philadelphia_Eagles_season) | 15 || 6 || 57 || 32 || 377 || 11.8 || 31 || 2 |- ! [2009](/source/2009_NFL_season) !! [PHI](/source/2009_Philadelphia_Eagles_season) | '''16''' || 9 || 58 || 41 || 587 || '''14.3''' || '''58''' || '''3''' |- ! [2010](/source/2010_NFL_season) !! [PHI](/source/2010_Philadelphia_Eagles_season) | '''16''' || 3 || 76 || 51 || 573 || 11.2 || 34 || 1 |- ! [2011](/source/2011_NFL_season) !! [PHI](/source/2011_Philadelphia_Eagles_season) | '''16''' || 7 || '''81''' || 52 || '''679''' || 13.1 || 35 || 1 |- ! [2012](/source/2012_NFL_season) !! [PHI](/source/2012_Philadelphia_Eagles_season) | 14 || 6 || 76 || '''53''' || 648 || 12.2 || 39 || 0 |- ! [2013](/source/2013_NFL_season) !! [PHI](/source/2013_Philadelphia_Eagles_season) | '''16''' || '''13''' || 77 || 38 || 447 || 11.8 || 31 || 2 |- ! rowspan="2" | [2014](/source/2014_NFL_season) !! [CAR](/source/2014_Carolina_Panthers_season) | 11 || 0 || 40 || 21 || 201 || 9.6 || 22 || 1 |- ! [KAN](/source/2014_Kansas_City_Chiefs_season) | 5 || 0 || 22 || 13 || 152 || 11.7 || 41 || 0 |- ! [2015](/source/2015_NFL_season) !! [KAN](/source/2015_Kansas_City_Chiefs_season) | '''16''' || 1 || 24 || 15 || 119 || 7.9 || 20 || 0 |- ! colspan="2"| !! 148 !! 53 !! 558 !! 346 !! 4,118 !! 11.9 !! 58 !! 13 |} === Playoffs === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !rowspan="2"| Year !rowspan="2"| Team !colspan="2"| Games !colspan="6"| Receiving |- ! GP !! GS !! Tgt!! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD |- ! [2006](/source/2006_NFL_season) !! [PHI](/source/2006_Philadelphia_Eagles_season) | 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [2008](/source/2008_NFL_season) !! [PHI](/source/2008_Philadelphia_Eagles_season) | '''3''' || '''2''' || '''16''' || '''11''' || '''113''' || 10.3 || 21 || 0 |- ! [2009](/source/2009_NFL_season) !! [PHI](/source/2009_Philadelphia_Eagles_season) | 1 || 1 || 3 || 2 || 32 || 16.0 || 20 || 0 |- ! [2010](/source/2010_NFL_season) !! [PHI](/source/2010_Philadelphia_Eagles_season) | 1 || 0 || 9 || 7 || 93 || 13.3 || 24 || '''1''' |- ! [2013](/source/2013_NFL_season) !! [PHI](/source/2013_Philadelphia_Eagles_season) | 1 || 1 || 6 || 5 || 21 || 4.2 || 6 || 0 |- ! [2015](/source/2015_NFL_season) !! [KAN](/source/2015_Kansas_City_Chiefs_season) | 2 || 1 || 5 || 4 || 69 || '''17.3''' || '''26''' || 0 |- ! colspan="2"| !! 10 !! 5 !! 39 !! 29 !! 328 !! 11.3 !! 26 !! 1 |} ==Personal life== Avant is an avid [Scrabble](/source/Scrabble) player.{{cite web|url=http://www.philly.com/dailynews/sports/20071031_Dana_Pennett_ONeil___Birds_receiver__wordsmith_Avant_snookers_writer__team_rep.html |title=Birds receiver, wordsmith Avant snookers writer, team rep |access-date=2007-11-01 |last=Pennett O'Neil |first=Dana |date=2007-10-31 |work=[Philadelphia Daily News](/source/Philadelphia_Daily_News)}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}} During [Chris Berman](/source/Chris_Berman)'s "Fastest Three Minutes" he referred to him as Jason "You Can't Always Get What" Avant.{{cite web | title =Eagles rest starters after clinching NFC East title | work =ESPN.com | publisher =ESPN Internet Ventures | date =December 31, 2006 | url =http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=261231021 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090815051225/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=261231021 | url-status =dead | archive-date =August 15, 2009 | access-date =2007-01-20 }} Avant and his wife, Stacy, live in [Clementon, New Jersey](/source/Clementon%2C_New_Jersey).{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}} He is the son of Jerry Avant and Claudette Patrick. His brother, Edwon Simmons, was a baseball player, who was drafted by [Baltimore Orioles](/source/Baltimore_Orioles) and was a safety at [San Diego State](/source/San_Diego_State). He is now a talent scout for a sports agency in Chicago.[http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/JasonAvant.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828211641/http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/JasonAvant.html|date=August 28, 2008}} Avant is a [Christian](/source/Christianity). Avant has spoken about his faith saying "I devoted my life to [Jesus Christ](/source/Jesus) on May 4, 2003. It was a day when, if you can imagine it, your eyes are opened to a whole different light. On that day, I had a consciousness of God that I never really had before. It’s sort of like being in darkness, but you finally start to see. I realized that day that all of the stuff that I learned growing up was backwards, according to the [Scripture](/source/Bible). It was the day that changed my life. I started realizing that I had a purpose, and every thought from that day on went through a filter of Jesus Christ first. Before I can make a decision I have to think, ʻWould it be pleasing to God?’".{{cite web| title =Straight Talk: Jason Avant On His Faith| url =http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Straight-Talk-Jason-Avant-On-His-Faith/25b46428-2452-4dc8-b76d-3d120913ea19| access-date =2014-01-04| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140105032323/http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Straight-Talk-Jason-Avant-On-His-Faith/25b46428-2452-4dc8-b76d-3d120913ea19| archive-date =2014-01-05| url-status =dead}} As of 2017, Avant opened up and runs Launch, a trampoline park in [Deptford Township, New Jersey](/source/Deptford_Township%2C_New_Jersey).{{cite web | title=Former Eagle Jason Avant opens trampoline park in Deptford | website=6abc Philadelphia | date=2017-03-31 | url=https://6abc.com/post/former-eagle-jason-avant-opens-trampoline-park-in-deptford/1828785/ | access-date=2025-08-03}} He competed on [Season 10](/source/American_Ninja_Warrior_season_10) of [American Ninja Warrior](/source/American_Ninja_Warrior).{{Cite web |last=Philadelphia • • |first=Josh Ellis {{!}} NBC Sports |date=2018-06-24 |title=Former Eagles WR Jason Avant Competes on American Ninja Warrior |url=https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/sports/former_eagles_wr_jason_avant_competes_on_american_ninja_warrior/2095697/ |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=NBC10 Philadelphia |language=en-US}} ==See also== *[Lists of Michigan Wolverines football receiving leaders](/source/Lists_of_Michigan_Wolverines_football_receiving_leaders) *[List of athletes from Chicago](/source/List_of_athletes_from_Chicago) ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== {{commons}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20140408221020/http://www.panthers.com/team/roster/Jason-Avant/893c5e49-a30d-48c9-99bc-102a0c7e9265 Carolina Panthers bio] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20110406051908/http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/roster/jason-avant/75ac0fa4-8509-49b9-bd2d-5b2aecd97be7/ Philadelphia Eagles bio] {{Eagles2006DraftPicks}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Avant, Jason}} Category:1983 births Category:American football wide receivers Category:Carolina Panthers players Category:Kansas City Chiefs players Category:Living people Category:Michigan Wolverines football players Category:People from Clementon, New Jersey Category:Players of American football from Camden County, New Jersey Category:Philadelphia Eagles players Category:Players of American football from Chicago Category:Competitors on American Ninja Warrior --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Jason Avant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Avant) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Avant?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.