DONNA – The Donna Independent School District and residents welcomed back a hometown hero and honored him in a big way.

A ceremony was held for former Donna High School football player Norman Evans. He said being back in his hometown surrounded by the crowds of people was an honor in itself.

He played football at the high school in the late 50’s and went on to play 13 seasons in the NFL, that included three Super Bowls

“We welcome all of you to the reservation. We are here to honor our hometown hero – Norm Evans,” Donna School Board President Efren Ceniceros said.

“I actually brought something. The actual book, the book that Mr. Norm Evans wrote ‘On God’s Squad,’” Donna ISD Superintendent Fernando Castillo said.

“When he was growing up he went to school at PSJA, and he was in the band in junior high. But for whatever reason, he left PSJA and came over here. It’s great for us,” Luz Pedraza, a former teammate, said.

Evans was an outstanding football and basketball player at Donna. And now his likeness will forever stand in front of the stadium. A statue of Evans was unveiled at the ceremony.

“Thank you. It’s the most important thing I can say. Thank you,” Evans said.

He thanked the district for his education and for helping open the doors to his long NFL career.

“And fourthly, I found the prettiest girl in Donna to be my wife,” Evans said about his wife, who never missed a game, Barbara Evans.

“We’ve been together since 8th grade. We’ve been together a long time,” she said. She found the whole ceremony breathtaking.

Next to the statue of Evans are two giant replicas of his Super Bowl rings, including the one of 1972 when he was with the Miami Dolphins and their perfect undefeated season.

“You’ve heaved on me what I never expected in my life. And this will be one of my most savored memories – right here. Thank you for the blessing,” he said to the crowd.