Evan Neal Bio
Evan Neal is an American professional football guard for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was selected seventh overall by the Giants in the 2022 NFL Draft. Neal has established himself as a versatile offensive lineman who began his career at tackle before transitioning to guard in the NFL. His professional journey reflects the trajectory of a highly decorated college player transitioning to the professional ranks.
Born in Okeechobee, Florida, Neal developed his football skills in the sunshine state before becoming one of the most sought-after offensive line recruits in the country. His family football lineage includes several NFL players, providing a foundation of athletic excellence that would guide his development. Neal brings a combination of size, athleticism, and technique to the Giants offensive line, aiming to protect quarterbacks and establish the running game.
Early Life and Background
Evan Neal was born on September 19, 2000, in Okeechobee, Florida. He began his high school football career at Okeechobee High School in his home state before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The move to IMG Academy positioned him among the nation’s elite prospects, where he refined his skills against top competition. He played in the prestigious 2019 Under Armour All-America Game, showcasing his talents to college programs nationwide.
Neal earned a five-star recruit rating, establishing him as one of the top offensive line prospects in his class. His exceptional performance at the high school level attracted attention from numerous college football programs seeking to land his commitment. Ultimately, Neal chose to continue his football career at the University of Alabama, joining a program renowned for developing NFL talent and winning championships.
Path to American Football
At the University of Alabama, Neal immediately contributed as a freshman during the 2019 season. He started all 13 games at left guard, demonstrating his readiness for collegiate competition at the highest level. His ability to adapt and perform from day one highlighted the traits that made him an elite prospect coming out of high school. The Alabama coaching staff recognized his potential and found the right position to maximize his impact.
Prior to his sophomore season, Neal transitioned from left guard to right tackle in 2020. This positional shift required him to develop new techniques and adjust to the different responsibilities of protecting the edge against defensive ends. Despite the challenges of the position change, he continued to develop as a player and remained a valuable member of the Crimson Tide offensive line.
His most celebrated college season came in 2021 when he served as a starting member of Alabama’s College Football Playoff National Championship team. Following that championship run, Neal made the decision to forgo his senior year of college eligibility and enter the 2022 NFL Draft. His college career included recognition as a Consensus All-American and First-team All-SEC selection in 2021, solidifying his status as a top professional prospect.
Evan Neal Career
New York Giants (2022-Present)
Evan Neal was selected seventh overall by the New York Giants in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Giants identified him as a cornerstone piece for their offensive line and assigned him the jersey number 73. His selection represented a significant investment in protecting quarterback Daniel Jones and establishing an identity in the running game. Neal arrived in New York with high expectations following his decorated college career.
As a rookie in 2022, Neal played in and started 13 regular season games while also starting both of the Giants playoff games. His transition to the NFL level required adjustment to faster competition and more complex defensive schemes. In Week 8 of his rookie season against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Neal suffered a grade 2 MCL sprain that interrupted his momentum. He returned to action in Week 13 and continued building his professional experience through the playoff run.
The 2023 season brought new challenges and scrutiny for Neal. Following a Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks where quarterback Daniel Jones was sacked eleven times, Neal faced criticism from Giants fans. His response to the criticism generated significant attention and debate across football media. He subsequently posted an apology on social media, acknowledging the situation and expressing contrition. On December 24, 2023, the Giants placed Neal on injured reserve, ending his season prematurely.
Heading into the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Neal continued working to establish himself as a consistent contributor on the Giants offensive line. In the 2025 offseason, the Giants made a significant change by switching Neal from tackle to guard, a position he occupied during his freshman year at Alabama. This positional adjustment reflected the team’s evaluation of where he could provide the most value. On April 25, 2025, the Giants declined the fifth-year option of Neal’s rookie contract, making him a pending free agent following the 2025 season. Neal was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury on November 15, 2025. On March 11, 2026, Neal re-signed with the Giants on a one-year contract for a veteran-minimum salary, ensuring his return to the team that drafted him.
Playing Style and Strengths
Evan Neal possesses exceptional size at 6 feet 7 inches and 340 pounds, giving him the physical tools to handle powerful defensive linemen. His experience playing both guard and tackle at Alabama and in the NFL demonstrates his versatility along the offensive line. Neal’s footwork and length enable him to protect the edge against speed rushers while his strength allows him to anchor against power players. His background at multiple positions provides the Giants with flexibility in structuring their offensive line.
Notable Events and Milestones
Neal’s career has included several significant milestones since entering the NFL. Being selected seventh overall in the 2022 NFL Draft established him immediately as a foundational piece for the Giants franchise. His rookie season included playoff starts, demonstrating the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities. The transition from tackle to guard in 2025 represented a notable positional evolution that could define his professional career trajectory. His re-signing with the Giants in March 2026 ensures he will continue his NFL career with the organization that originally selected him.
Evan Neal Career Wins
Throughout his football career spanning college and professional competition, Evan Neal has accumulated significant achievements at the highest levels of the sport. His accomplishments include individual honors and team championships that reflect his impact on successful programs.
College Career Highlights
In college, Neal was a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide team that won the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship, the pinnacle of college football achievement. His individual recognition included Consensus All-American honors and First-team All-SEC selection following the 2021 season. These awards recognized his performance against the toughest competition in college football. He started 27 games across three seasons at Alabama, demonstrating durability and consistency at the collegiate level.
NFL Career Statistics
Through the 2025 season, Evan Neal has played in 29 NFL games with 27 starts for the New York Giants. His rookie season featured 13 starts including both playoff games. His transition to guard during the 2025 season marked a new chapter in his professional career as he worked to establish himself at the position. The Giants have relied on Neal as a starter throughout his NFL career when healthy.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Games Started |
|---|---|---|
| NFL (New York Giants) | 29 | 27 |
| College (Alabama) | 27 | 27 |
Evan Neal Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Evan Neal comes from a distinguished football family with multiple members who played at the collegiate and professional levels. His father, Eddie Neal, played linebacker at Tulane University, establishing the family’s football tradition. Three of Neal’s uncles also reached the professional ranks: Frankie Neal, Cleveland Gary, and Jimmie Jones all played in the NFL. This multigenerational football heritage provided Evan with guidance, mentorship, and an understanding of the demands required to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.
Personal Life
Neal maintains a presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Twitter account @eneal73 and Instagram account @e_neal73. He focuses on his career and professional development as he continues his NFL journey with the New York Giants. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children has not been publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a pivotal year in Evan Neal’s professional career. The Giants’ decision to move him from tackle to guard during the offseason marked a significant adjustment as he returned to the position he played as a freshman at Alabama. This positional change aimed to capitalize on his strengths and find the best fit for both the player and the organization. Neal worked throughout the offseason program to adapt to his new role and build chemistry with his offensive line teammates.
During the 2025 season, Neal faced the challenge of playing on an expiring contract after the Giants declined his fifth-year option. This situation added pressure as he worked to demonstrate his value to the Giants and other NFL teams. His season was interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury on November 15, 2025. The injury cut short his campaign and created uncertainty about his immediate future in the league.
Despite the challenges of the 2025 season, Neal demonstrated resilience by re-signing with the Giants in March 2026 on a one-year veteran-minimum contract. This move ensured his return to the organization that drafted him and provided an opportunity to establish himself as a valuable contributor heading into the 2026 season. The Giants clearly see value in Neal’s potential and experience, offering him a chance to compete for a starting position along their offensive line.