Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks Chaplain Jonathan Evans Talks Winning, Losing and Finding Peace in I Am Second Film
White Chair Film Shares Story of Finding Purpose in Life’s Lows
PLANO, Texas, Sept. 29, 2022 — In the new White Chair film released by global storytelling organization I Am Second, Jonathan Evans shares his story about facing rejection and failure and how he eventually found victory on a path he hadn’t expected. Evans, a former NFL player and Baylor Bear, is the Dallas Cowboys’ and Dallas Mavericks’ Chaplain.
As the son of pastor, ministry leader and author Tony Evans, Jonathan Evans grew up observing his family succeed in each of their own endeavors. Evans found himself searching for a false sense of identity in “winning,” specifically in the game of football.
“Winning. That’s what I had gotten used to from a very young age,” Evans starts. “I wanted to make sure that I shined and that people knew my name based on my athletic ability and what I was able to do. That's where I thought I would find my value and, ultimately, find myself.”
Evans' diligence and passion for the game led him to play football for Baylor University. From there, he looked forward to a hopeful future in professional football, only to find himself released from his dream NFL team — the Dallas Cowboys—and drafted to the European Developmental League, where Evans felt lost and without purpose.
While in Europe, Evans describes how in a peak moment of internal discord, he asked God to show him where he should be. In that very instant, a holy and indescribable peace washed over him as he knew that he was being called to something much bigger.
“It was a revelation where God was telling me, ‘You’ve been doing this for you all this time, and now you’re going to do it for me,’” Evans fondly recalls. “I realized, ‘That’s why God has me here; that’s why I play this game.’”
While this moment was a time of clarity, Evans, after returning to the U.S. and seeking a spot in the NFL, found himself grappling with his identity, suffering rejection, disappointment, personal losses and personal injuries. In obedience, Evans accepted his call to ministry and enrolled at Dallas Theological Seminary. Five months in, he received a call from none other than his dream NFL team—the Dallas Cowboys. This time he would be walking through the tunnel onto the field as Chaplain.
“I was used to winning, and I had to learn how to lose in order to become a winner again,” said Evans. “God will use your greatest misery when he takes you to your greatest ministry. He never wastes anything.”
To watch the exclusive I Am Second film, visit iamsecond.com/film/jonathan-evans.
About Jonathan Evans:
A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in Christian Leadership, Jonathan Evans is a mentor, author, speaker and former NFL fullback who serves as the chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys and co-chaplain of the Dallas Mavericks. As part of his commitment to developing the next generation of devoted Christian leaders, he travels the country speaking at churches, conferences, men’s events, banquets and student-athlete events.
Jonathan also serves with his pastor, friend and father, Dr. Tony Evans, both in the local church and the national ministry. Together, the two of them have written Get in the Game, and in 2021 he released his first stand-alone book, The Time Is Now. Jonathan’s newest book is Fighting Your Battles: Every Christian’s Playbook for Victory over Life’s Challenges. He and his wife, Kanika, are the proud parents of five children. The family resides in Dallas, Texas.
Follow Jonathan and learn more about his journey on Facebook @JonathanBlakeEvans, Twitter @EvansLegacy and Instagram @JonathanBlakeEvans.
About I Am Second:
I Am Second is a nonprofit launched in 2008 that ignites hope and inspires people to live for God and for others. Its website, iamsecond.com, features written and film-based stories of more than 150 athletes, actors, models, musicians, cultural influencers and everyday people who have stepped in front of the camera and declared, “I Am Second.” For information, visit http://iamsecond.com.
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