Ciante Evans got on the news of the Canadian Football League. The 27-year-old athlete understood that now is the time to take care of his family and loved ones more than ever.
“It’s difficult for everyone and I haven’t been spared. But I have come to realize over the years that football requires adaptation. We often get thrown curved balls during our course and we have to adjust quickly. It’s the same thing happening on the ground,” Evans said.
“I tried to approach everything with this mindset. I learned to find a way to win in these difficult situations. I did a few jobs over the summer and just found myself a full time job coaching a high school football team in Texas. I will be busy during the fall and I will continue to act as a basketball referee.” Evans added.
Nothing is won in Canada, but social measures have allowed the economy to gradually recover. The reality is harsher in Texas, which unfortunately ranks in the top 3 of the American states most affected by the Covid-19 crisis with around 14,000 deaths.
“It allows me to be able to pay my bills and feed my family. We have no choice, they continue to evict people from their homes here in Texas,” Evans said.
It feels like this homecoming is precious to Evans. High school football heals, in part, the wound of the lack of a professional season. Even for a veteran like him – he was due to enter his sixth season – it is not easy to take.
“Yeah, it’s hard. My way of seeing things, for things to go well, is to tell myself that this sport is not given to anyone.” Evans said.
“On the one hand, you are disappointed and sad because you don’t know how long you will be in this position of not being able to play. But, looking at it all from the other end of the spectrum, you realize more of the important values in life.” the 27-year-old athlete added.