Super Bowl champion Jahri Evans, a Delaware Valley native and Pro Bowl guard for the New Orleans Saints brought a winning attitude to an already star studded ownership group.

EAST RUTHERFORD: New Orleans Saints veteran offensive guard Jahri Evans, a Delaware Valley native, is in a class by himself.

After a Hall of Fame-level career, Evans brought his championship karma to the South Jersey based Philadelphia Soul’s ownership group and was part of an overall effort to bring home the franchise’s second Arena Football League title.

“It’s cool,” said Evans, after the Saints dropped a 16-13 verdict to the New Giants at MetLife Stadium. “We’ve got a good group of owners over there. Our coaches work very hard. I knew they were going to do something special this year and they did. I’m glad to win it.”

That ownership group also includes majority owners Ron Jaworski and Craig A. Spencer plus Pete Ciarrocci, Cosmo Denicola, Martin Judge, Marques Colston, Dick Vermeil, Nicholas Giuffre, Philip Jaurigue, Stuart Anmuth, Gil Peter and Hal Brunson.

Since landing a spot on the Saints roster in 2006, the fourth round pick out of Division II Bloomsburg University has amassed a resume that looks an awful like Canton: 6 Pro Bowls. 4-time first team AP All-Pro. One-time second team AP All-Pro. Super Bowl Champion. Two-time member of the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award.

That is why it was so sad for Saints fans when Evans, 33. was released on February 8, 2016. It seemed a cold act toward one of the greatest players in franchise history.

He failed to find a new team during most of the offseason. There were rumors he was given a look by the Eagles, but he eventually latched on with the Seattle Seahawks in the beginning of August. Evans then failed to make the Seahawks final 53-man roster.

After problems on the offensive line prompted the Saints to bring Evans back a week before the start of the regular season. He was immediately put back in the starting lineup. It’s not like he didn’t know the plays.

“It feels good to be back playing for the Saints,” Evans said. “We came up a little short today but looking forward to getting better each day during the week and try to get our first win.”

Evans said he and his teammates were not losing hope after two close losses.

“In the National Football League you get a lot of one possession game,” Evans said. “And we fell short these first two weeks.”

Evans was asked if he was surprised he was put right back into starting lineup despite not having a training camp. And if his release was more about his contract than performance.

“I wasn’t surprised at all,” Evans said with a laugh. “I’m not sure. I don’t make those decisions. But now I’m back.”

It should not be a surprise Evans is part of the Soul ownership group. The former Franford High School standout established the Jahri Evans Foundation as a way to give back to the community. On its website the foundation’s mission is clear and from the heart.

“The Jahri Evans Foundation helps students further their education and athletic career by providing scholarships and sponsoring an annual free youth football and cheer camp instructed by NFL players and professional cheerleaders. Along with motivating all students to achieve academic excellence we also inspire and help our students maintain good health. The Jahri Evans Foundation urges students to get involved in ongoing physical activities to promote a healthy lifestyle and lessen the chances and complications of diabetes, heart disease and other health issues that may arise as a result of childhood obesity.”

Championships are won with people of character and class. With Evans as part of its ownership group, look for more titles in the future.

Bio info from jahrievans.com

Follow Al Thompson on Twitter @thompsoniii