He played college football at the University of Michigan and was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL draft.

[1] While in high school at Carver, Avant played both on defense, as a free safety, and offense, as a wide receiver.

[2] In his final two seasons, Avant was named as a candidate for the Fred Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation's top receiver.

After his senior season, he was named an honorable mention All-American and was given the Bo Schembechler Award as Michigan's most valuable player.

In a post-draft interview, Eagles head coach Andy Reid said Avant "has great hands, toughness, leadership; he's very intelligent and a good route runner.

[2][7] As a part of the Eagles crowded receiving corps,[2] Avant saw limited playing time with the offense in his rookie season.

After the 2009 season, in which he set new career-highs in all three categories with 41 receptions for 587 yards and 3 touchdowns, Avant was named to the USA Today All-Joe Team for his stellar play in the slot position.

[12] In week 2 against the Detroit Lions, Avant scored his first touchdown with the Panthers in a 24–7 win, finishing the game with five catches for 54 yards as well.

[14] Coach Ron Rivera stated that Avant was released to allow more opportunities for rookie receiver Philly Brown.

[15] Avant signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in November 2014, reuniting him with his former Eagles coach Andy Reid.

His brother, Edwon Simmons, was a baseball player, who was drafted by Baltimore Orioles and was a safety at San Diego State.