Section 1

September 15th, 2010 at 7:50 PM ^

If they had awards for character, Jason Avant would have won a Heisman. 

I was honored, at a Bob Ufer Quarterback Club awards dinner, to meet Jason.  I get tears in my eyes reading these stories about him. 

doughboy

September 15th, 2010 at 7:51 PM ^

Very good article.  I particularly liked his definition of the ubiquitous Michigan Man:

“I understood what being a Michigan Man was all about,” Avant said in an interview with the Daily. “It wasn’t about my talent anymore, it wasn’t about me being the best football player, but me encouraging my university, me encouraging my teammates, and that was the change in my career.“

Keeeeurt

September 15th, 2010 at 8:03 PM ^

Avant and BG pretty much sum up what it means to be a Michigan Man and am proud for not what they have done on the field but they way they portray the University of Michigan.

FgoWolve

September 15th, 2010 at 11:32 PM ^

This one was written in 2004 when he was still in school. Really gets into his relationship with his grandmother and his upbringing in Chicago neighborhoods. I had a chance to speak with Jason on a couple occassions when he was in school, and there could not be a more thoughtful, compassionate, gracious Michigan man. He has beaten so many odds, it's hard for someone like me to comprehend.

http://www.michigandaily.com/content/needing-his-mothers

Blue_in_Cleveland

September 16th, 2010 at 5:38 PM ^

Here's to hoping he can continue to improve his production in the NFL - I'm in a decent sized league and picked him up as my extra WR. Has increased his receiving yards by more than 100/season every year in the league.

jb5O4

September 16th, 2010 at 8:28 PM ^

I had no idea Jason Avant lived in the housing project Altgeld Gardens. A few summers ago I worked for a construction company that renovated that neighborhood. The asbestos was really bad.

woodsonfromleaf97

September 16th, 2010 at 8:33 PM ^

He has become the Eagles most sure handed reciever and even though he lacks the physical ability of Maclin and Jackson he is more willing to risk his body for the team, it is awesome having him and a few other former Michigan players on my hometown Eagles.