A physical and sure-handed receiver, Jason Avant has developed into a reliable offensive weapon for the Eagles. A fourth round draft choice in 2006, Avant was also a key contributor on special teams in 2007, finishing second on the team in special teams production points (261), and fourth with 13 special teams tackles.

2007 HIGHLIGHTS:

• Finished 2nd on the team in special teams production points (261) and 4th in special teams tackles (13)
• Caught a 4-yd TD pass from QB A.J. Feeley vs. Mia. (11/18)
• Set career highs in recepts. (5) and yds. (55) vs. Was. (9/17)
• Hauled in a 9-yd TD pass from QB Donovan McNabb at GB (9/9). Also recorded a career-long 31-yd. catch

2006 HIGHLIGHTS: 

• Added depth to the wide receiver corps in his rookie campaign, as he played in 8 games and caught 7 passes for 68 yds. and one TD 
• Set career highs in receptions (4) and yds. (40) vs. Atl. (12/31/06), and hauled in his first career TD, a 5-yd. pass from QB A.J. Feeley

BIRDSEED:

• Credits his grandmother, Lillie, for helping him devote his life to Christ. "Growing up with her amongst all the gangs, violence and shootings at our house, she constantly prayed for me to live life the right way. I ended up converting for good during my sophomore year at Michigan. It's in my heart. It's my life."
• His relationship with Christ has allowed him to deal with all the stresses of being an NFL player. "Christ stabilizes me through all the tough times. I know I can get through anything, and other guys notice that."
• After being inspired at church, took up the piano in the 2008 offseason and has been taking lessons ever since. "I just want to worship God in every way I can. I hear things at church and then I go and play them at home."
• Has become very involved in "freelance" social work through his church, and hopes to stay involved after his football playing days are over. His main focus is on child and teen development
• Is inspired by his trainer, Will Franklin, who also works with Patriots safety Rodney Harrison. Franklin used to call Avant at 2 or 3 in the morning in the offseason to challenge him to a better workout. "He doesn't call me at 2 anymore, it's more like 5 or 6 a.m., but I'm already up by then anyway." He focused on working on his route techniques in the 2008 offseason
• Is an avid player of Scrabble, his favorite board game. "It makes you think and it keeps your mind active. It also helps me communicate, with all the words I've learned from playing."
• Claims to be an extremely competitive guy. "It doesn't matter if it's football, basketball, marbles, or just seeing how far I can jump, I'm going to try to win."

PERSONAL:

• He and his wife, Stacy, live in Clementon, NJ
• Is the son of Jerry Avant and Claudette Patrick
• His brother, Edwon Simmons, was a prolific baseball player, who was drafted by Baltimore, and was a safety at San Diego State. He now is a talent scout for a sports agency in Chicago
• Earned All-America honors as a WR and S at Carver HS in Chicago, IL, where he set school records for  catches, (148), yards (2,150), TDs (37), and INTs (18). Did not play football until his sophomore year and played WR for the first time as a junior
• Also excelled in basketball and helped lead his team to the Elite 8 of the Chicago public school playoffs. Was recruited to play basketball at UCLA, TCU, and Illinois
• Is very interested in the real estate business
• Is a high-scoring member of the Eagles offseason basketball team
• Earned a degree in sociology. Twice earned academic All-Big Ten honors and three-time UM Athletic Academic Achievement accolodes
• Full name: Jason Raye Avant

COLLEGE:
A two-time Biletnikoff Award candidate as the nation's top receiver (2004-05), finished his Michigan career 3rd on the school's all-time list in receptions (169 for 2,247 yards and 13 TDs). Named team MVP in 2005 after an 82-1,007-8TD season. Ranked 2nd on the squad with 38 catches for 447 yds. and 3 TDs in 2004. Appeared in 12 games as a sophomore and posted 47 recepts. for 772 yds. (16.4 avg.) and 2 TDs.

INJURY HISTORY:
Was inactive vs. Dal. (11/4/07) with a groin injury