Evan Engram’s Journey to Success as a Tight End in the NFL

Tight end Evan Engram of the Jacksonville Jaguars has experienced a transformation in his NFL career. After struggling with confidence and losing his passion for football during his time with the New York Giants, Engram has emerged as one of the top tight ends in the league during his tenure with the Jaguars. His performance in a game against the Tennessee Titans last December was a turning point, where he caught 11 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns. This breakthrough moment validated the hard work and dedication he had put into his training with personal coach Drew Lieberman.

Engram’s journey to success has been a result of the comprehensive training he underwent with Lieberman. They focused on improving his mechanics, route-running, mindset, and mental toughness. The game against the Titans erased any doubt they had about their approach, and Engram’s confidence soared. He went from struggling with confidence in his final seasons with the Giants to becoming one of the top tight ends in the NFL. In the past eleven regular-season games, Engram ranks second in catches (67) and yards (681) among all tight ends, and leads in yards after the catch (448).

The Jaguars recognized Engram’s potential and signed him to a new three-year contract in July. Engram expressed his desire to end his career in Jacksonville, considering it his home and a place where he can leave a lasting impact. He believes that Jacksonville is the perfect place for him to build a legacy and leave a mark on the organization.

Heading into the Thursday night game against the New Orleans Saints, Engram is on pace to break the franchise’s single-season record for catches by a tight end, which he set last season with 73 catches for 766 yards. He is currently tied with Travis Kelce and T.J. Hockenson for the most catches (36) by a tight end this season and leads all tight ends with 168 yards after the catch. His elevated confidence and performance have impressed Jaguars coach Doug Pederson, who believes that Engram’s struggles are now well behind him.

Engram’s confidence and belief in his abilities have propelled him to new heights. He no longer looks back after the breakthrough game against the Titans. Engram now feels capable of making plays and being the dynamic player he is starting to showcase. However, it has not always been smooth sailing for Engram in the NFL.

During his college career at Ole Miss, Engram stood out as a first-team All-American and a three-time All-SEC selection. The Giants drafted him in 2017, expecting him to make a significant impact on their offense. He had a strong rookie season, but injuries and a decline in performance affected him in the following years. The team’s struggles only added to his lack of confidence and made him question his abilities.

The 2020 season was particularly challenging for Engram. Although he was voted into the Pro Bowl, he faced criticism for dropping crucial passes and his declining yardage totals. The negativity from fans and the pressure to improve took a toll on his confidence. Engram admits that year set his confidence back, and he had to dig himself out of a hole to get back on track.

In March 2021, Engram encountered a turning point during a workout session with personal coach Drew Lieberman. Initially, Engram had a negative attitude, but after experiencing Lieberman’s coaching style and attention to detail, he realized he had found the kind of personal trainer he had been seeking. The two worked extensively on Engram’s game, including his stance, release off the line of scrimmage, routes, and hand positioning. They focused on fixing his drop issues by using tennis balls to correct his hand placement and catching technique.

Engram’s partnership with Lieberman has been instrumental in his resurgence as a top tight end in the NFL. His improved skills and confidence have made a significant impact on the field, and he is now regarded as one of the best at his position. The Jacksonville Jaguars have recognized his potential and secured him with a new contract, solidifying Engram’s desire to end his career in Jacksonville and leave a lasting legacy.

As Engram prepares for the upcoming game against the Saints, he continues to excel and demonstrate his growth as a player. His journey from struggling with confidence to becoming a reliable and dynamic tight end serves as an inspiration to athletes facing similar challenges. Engram’s story proves that dedication, hard work, and the right support system can lead to remarkable transformations in the NFL and beyond.