Through the Phog
Fansided

8 Things Every Kansas Jayhawks Fan Should Know

By Ryan Noel

Nov 23, 2015; Lahaina, HI, USA; Kansas Jayhawk cheerleaders perform a cheer during a game against the Chaminade Silverswords at the Lahaina Civic Center during the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2015; Lahaina, HI, USA; Kansas Jayhawk cheerleaders perform a cheer during a game against the Chaminade Silverswords at the Lahaina Civic Center during the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 9
Next
Sep 12, 2015; Lawrence, KS, USA; A general view of play during the first half of the game between the Kansas Jayhawks and Memphis Tigers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Lawrence, KS, USA; A general view of play during the first half of the game between the Kansas Jayhawks and Memphis Tigers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Ray Evans

In the illustrious history of Kansas athletics, only one player has ever managed to be an All-American in both football and basketball – Ray Evans. The early-1940s football star was an exceptional athlete that played both sides of the ball. In fact he is the only player to ever lead the NCAA in passing and (defensive) interceptions in the same year.

More from Through the Phog

Evans was Kansas’ first football All-American, but was also named a Helms All-American for basketball – twice. In his years at Kansas, he helped win 5 conference championships between the two sports. To this day, Evans is still the only Jayhawk to ever have his jersey retired in both sports. As such, he is the only player to have his jersey hanging in Allen Fieldhouse and have his name in the Ring of Honor at Memorial Stadium.

He went on to play professional basketball and football, but had much of his career interrupted to serve in World War II. He only spent one year with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1948.

Home/Kansas Jayhawks Football