Darrynton Evans Bio
Darrynton L.A. Evans, born on July 9, 1998, is an American professional football running back and return specialist. He played college football for the Appalachian State Mountaineers and was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Evans has since played for several NFL teams, including the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills. In addition to his on-field achievements, he is also known for his engaging social media presence, including a YouTube and Twitch channel called ItzLiveee.
Standing 178 cm tall and weighing 92 kg, Evans has built a career as a versatile back and returner, contributing on offense and special teams. He earned recognition in college as the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 and has continued to pursue opportunities across the league.
Early Life and Background
Darrynton L.A. Evans was born on July 9, 1998, in Daytona Beach, Florida. He grew up in Florida and attended New Smyrna Beach High School in New Smyrna Beach, where he developed his skills as a running back and returner. His early exposure to football in the state helped shape his approach to the game and laid the foundation for his future career.
During his time at New Smyrna Beach High School, Evans earned a reputation as a dynamic playmaker. His performances on the field attracted attention from college recruiters, and he ultimately committed to Appalachian State University to continue his football career.
Path to American Football
Evans enrolled at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, where he joined the Mountaineers football program. As a true freshman in 2016, he played in 12 games, rushing for 217 yards on 48 carries while also returning 25 kicks for 563 yards and a touchdown. His early contributions hinted at the larger role he would eventually assume.
Evans missed the 2017 season due to injury and used the year to redshirt. Returning healthy in 2018, he took over as the starter and rushed for 1,187 yards on 179 carries with seven touchdowns, while also adding 490 kick return yards and a score. He was named MVP of the 2018 Sun Belt Conference Football Championship Game after totaling 218 all-purpose yards. In 2019, Evans was named Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 1,480 yards, 2,064 all-purpose yards, and 24 total touchdowns. He earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2018 and 2019 before deciding to forgo his senior season and enter the 2020 NFL Draft.
Darrynton Evans Career
Tennessee Titans Era (2020–2022)
Evans was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 93rd overall pick in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He appeared in five games during his rookie season, recording 14 rushes for 54 yards, two receptions for 27 yards and a receiving touchdown, and nine kickoff returns for 206 yards as a backup to Derrick Henry. His first career touchdown came in a Week 15 win over the Detroit Lions, where he produced 57 yards from scrimmage and a receiving score. Evans also logged one carry for one yard in the Titans’ 20–13 playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Injuries hampered his second season, as he was placed on injured reserve in September 2021, activated in October, and returned to injured reserve later that same month, ending his year. On March 10, 2022, Evans was waived by the Titans, closing his initial NFL chapter.
Chicago Bears Stints (2022–2024)
On March 11, 2022, Evans was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears. He was waived on August 30, 2022, and signed to the team’s practice squad the following day before being promoted to the active roster on November 27, 2022. He rejoined the Bears on October 9, 2023, when he was signed off the Miami Dolphins practice squad, and was waived on November 16, 2023. Evans returned to Chicago again on November 6, 2024, joining the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on December 21, 2024.
Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins Stints (2023)
On March 31, 2023, Evans signed with the Indianapolis Colts, but was waived on May 2, 2023. He then joined the Miami Dolphins practice squad on August 31, 2023, was released, and returned to the Dolphins on November 21, 2023. He was elevated to the active roster two days later. He did not sign a reserve/future contract after the season and became a free agent.
Buffalo Bills Stints (2023–2025)
Evans signed with the Buffalo Bills on July 25, 2023, and was released on August 29, 2023. He returned on January 23, 2024, on a reserve/future contract, was placed on injured reserve on August 27, 2024, and was released on October 29, 2024. On March 13, 2025, he signed a one-year contract with the Bills, was placed on injured reserve on August 19, 2025, and was later released.
Driving Style and Strengths
While the term “driving style” is reserved for motorsports, Evans brings an explosive and shifty running style to the field. His college tape showcased burst through the line, vision in the open field, and reliability as a kick returner. In the NFL, he has served primarily as a depth back and return specialist, offering versatility to whichever roster he joins.
Notable Events and Milestones
Evans’ first career NFL touchdown came in a Week 15 win over the Detroit Lions in 2020, a 46–25 victory in which he tallied 57 yards from scrimmage. He also earned back-to-back Sun Belt Conference Football Championship Game MVP honors in 2018 and 2019, and was named MVP of the 2019 New Orleans Bowl. His third-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft stands as one of the defining early milestones of his professional career.
Darrynton Evans Career Wins
While individual NFL win totals are difficult to verify, Evans has been part of several team victories across his stints with the Titans, Bears, Colts, Dolphins, and Bills. His most memorable individual scoring moment came in 2020, when he found the end zone for the first time against the Lions.
Other Wins and Performances
At the college level, Evans was a two-time first-team All-Sun Belt selection and the 2019 Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year, while also earning MVP honors in the 2018 and 2019 Sun Belt Conference Championship Games and the 2019 New Orleans Bowl. These accolades marked him as one of the top running backs in conference history.
Darrynton Evans Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Evans’ parents and immediate family are not well documented in verified sources. He grew up in Florida and has not publicly discussed a family lineage tied to professional football.
Personal Life
Evans is a Christian. He is married to Aiyana Willoughby. Outside of football, he runs a YouTube and Twitch channel called ItzLiveee, where he engages with fans and shares content from his daily life.
2025 Season Performance
Evans signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on March 13, 2025, marking his return to the team for a third stint. He was placed on injured reserve on August 19, 2025, and was later released, ending his time with the Bills for the year. As a free agent, his next opportunity within the NFL remains to be determined.
Given his history of practice squad and short-term contract moves, Evans is likely to pursue another opportunity in the league during the 2025 season or the following offseason. His experience on offense and special teams continues to make him a candidate for teams in need of backfield depth and return help.