Omari Evans will get his chance at playing in the National Football League.
Evans, the former Shoemaker High School dual-sport standout, signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday as an undrafted rookie free agent, celebrating the career milestone with friends and family.
“It was great getting a call (from the Chiefs) and letting my family know. They were really excited and happy for me, so that was a great feeling I’ll never forget,” Evans said, adding that there’s been an outpouring of support since the news spread that he was NFL bound.
“I’ve been getting a lot of calls and messages from friends and family,” he said. “I appreciate everyone and I know they’re proud.”
Evans graduated early from Shoemaker after signing with Penn State in December 2021. He played three seasons in University Park, Pennsylvania, with the Nittany Lions –– including the team’s appearance in the 2024 College Football Playoff –– before transferring to the University of Washington for the 2025 season.
In four years at the Division I level, Evans hauled in 47 receptions for 818 yards and eight touchdowns.
“This opportunity means a lot. I feel like they believe in me, and I’m ready to prove myself right,” Evans said. “It took a lot of work to get here, countless hours my whole life, so I’m grateful that I’m able to continue playing football and doing what I love at the highest level.”
Though he settled into the wide receiver role in college, Evans spent plenty of time dodging defenders while playing quarterback for Shoemaker during a senior season in which he produced more than 1,600 all-purpose yards and 16 total touchdowns.
Evans also caught the attention of NFL scouts at the Huskies’ pro day in March, registering 4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash –– harkening back to his high school track and field days with the Grey Wolves when he was a hurdler, qualified for state in the 4x200-meter relay and in the long jump.
“In the NFL it’s all about speed. He’s fast and he’s highly intelligent and people with those two things usually end up in successful situations,” said Grey Wolves athletic coordinator and football head coach Roy Locks, who’s been with Shoemaker since 2017. “He played well at the highest level of college, getting plenty of exposure, so it’s no surprise.”
Evans said he’ll travel to the Chiefs’ facility this week, making sure he takes the whole process one day at a time.
“I plan on just being me and keep showing what I can do –– using my speed, versatility and ability on special teams and offense, and just work,” he said.
(Photo by Scott Eklund/Red Box Pictures, University of Washington Athletics)