More History For Mike Evans
January 5th, 2025
Mike Evans speaks out.
What an emotional day for Mike Evans, Bucs players and fans.
Eleven regular seasons of Mike Evans needed an exclamation point — five more yards to hit 1,000 receiving for the season and a tie of Jerry Rice’s all-time record.
The game was over. Any additional Bucs snap would risk a catastrophe that potentially could cost the Bucs their NFC South crown in the final seconds.
Still, Todd Bowles didn’t care. The Bucs called a play for Mike Evans and he got the yardage.
The emotional video is below and the home fans were on their feet.
“You saw the stadium erupt; you saw the sideline erupt,” Baker Mayfield said, noting how special the record was for all involved.
“History is hard to come by,” Evans said.
Of the fans, Evans was fired up. “It was amazing. They made it that much sweeter. … I love those guys to death.”
When Bucky Irving scored a touchdown to put the Bucs up eight points, Evans said he wasn’t dejected, but he was jacked up for the defense to stop the slimy Saints and give him one more catch.
“I was hoping we’d get a stop because I can’t pass up history,” Evans said.
What a day. Even Joe got emotional.
Evans said hitting 1,000 this year was extra special because he missed games with injuries. Evans said his pulled hamstring was perhaps the worst of his career.
He also added that he had years worth inspiration from Randy Moss. Years ago, Evans broke Moss’ record of consecutive 1,000 seasons to start a career. He said Moss told Evans after that to set a high bar and get 1,000 in every season he plays.
MIKE EVANS. 1,000 YARDS ONCE AGAIN. pic.twitter.com/V4S7S8APUX
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025
January 5th, 2025 at 5:04 pm
Congrats Mike!!!
January 5th, 2025 at 5:04 pm
Soooooooo Happy for M1K3!!!
January 5th, 2025 at 5:05 pm
Studs.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:06 pm
Big Mike! Best offensive player in franchise history, and completely deserving of a share of the record. Playoff time, LFG!
January 5th, 2025 at 5:07 pm
Couldn’t ask for a better human to reach a historic milestone. We love you Mike! GO BUCS
January 5th, 2025 at 5:08 pm
Absolutely amazing. Best play of the year was the last play of the year.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:08 pm
Props to the Saints for not putting 11 on Mike that play. Everybody knew where it was going.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:08 pm
I don’t watch football for that type of emotion, but I held it together. LOL. No, but really, we love Mike. So proud of his accomplishments. One of the best Bucs ever.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:08 pm
It was UNREAL to witness!! I cried like we won the SB! This record and Mike means so much to this team, it’s fans, and the CITY!!!!! What an ending!!!
January 5th, 2025 at 5:09 pm
ME13!!! Momma there goes that man!
January 5th, 2025 at 5:09 pm
Best Bucs player ever…..
January 5th, 2025 at 5:09 pm
So happy for Mike, but didn’t like the call – football gods have a funny way of messing things up when you try to play games. Glad it came through
January 5th, 2025 at 5:10 pm
He getting close to 1st ballot status
January 5th, 2025 at 5:10 pm
Class act for a class act. EVERY Bucs fan wanted it…Needed it—for Mike!
January 5th, 2025 at 5:10 pm
He represents the best of Bucs football, so happy for him. You know if he missed it he would have said he’s happy with the win.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:11 pm
Props to defense for giving him a final shot at it and Bowles not kneeling out the game
January 5th, 2025 at 5:11 pm
big mike getting those big final 9 yards…
the 3 million dollar catch
January 5th, 2025 at 5:12 pm
HOF bound and playoff bound M1K3 Evans!!! I like the ring to that.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:12 pm
Props to the Saints for playing it loose!
January 5th, 2025 at 5:13 pm
What a great day to be a Bucs fan. Congrats to Mike now let’s go get another Super Bowl.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:13 pm
Good for Mikey
January 5th, 2025 at 5:15 pm
Especially cool that he did it in Tampa. Wow. Good job, Mike.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:16 pm
I think allowing Baker to throw to Evans saved Bowles his job. I would not of thought he would do it.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:16 pm
Does this mean Todd is forgiven for cancelling ME’s 6 yard catch last game by taking the penalty?
I’ve realized that first impressions are critical and the human brain is hard wired to be pretty inflexible with their opinions but the Bowles hate is just hard for me to comprehend.
I get questioning his time management, and strategy but isnt’ the NFL supposed to be a freaking results league. When you take a team devasted by a post SB experience that included losing the majority of the real playmakers from that team especially on D. The HC has to survive the most melodramatic season ever thanks to a GOAT turned DIVA discussing which teams he wish to play for before the season even began. Question about if the Bucs had to FORCE Brady to play here because of his contract. His disappearance during pre season the clear reality that Tom was not only getting old but his motivation had clearly waned as well. Not a slam. Tommy is still the GOAT
January 5th, 2025 at 5:18 pm
Saints D had the class to Brett Favre that last play for the record. Maybe we
Don’t call them “slimy” for a year or so, Joe?
January 5th, 2025 at 5:20 pm
Emotional? My eyes were watery and I might have had a slight tear come down. The win is sweet. So so sweet. Playoffs, baby!
But Mike getting his 1k yard season was just… AMAZING! He means so much to this team and to the fans. I thank god he resigned with the Bucs. It would have killed us all to see him in another jersey.
With that said, thank you Todd, for going for it. I give you crap at every opportunity, but I’ll give you this one. Good job, Todd!
January 5th, 2025 at 5:22 pm
I know it’s just a game but this game of football is part of life. It’s inspiring, emotional, and connecting to our community. It may be just a game, but this team is needled in my being. It’s part of who I am. Times like this make life a little sweeter. Thank you BUCS organization and thank you Mike Evans for being a great dude and a great example for the Bay area. Go freaking Bucs!!!!!
January 5th, 2025 at 5:23 pm
I think since it was a 8 point game, the Bucs wouldn’t have dont it.
If it was a close game, the Bucs likely take the knee and get out of there.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:24 pm
Dewey Selmon Says:
January 5th, 2025 at 5:10 pm
He getting close to 1st ballot status
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Already 1st ballot. Only player to get 1000 first nine years. He’s now stretched that to 11
January 5th, 2025 at 5:25 pm
Congrats to Mike 1st Ballot HoF Evans! What a beautiful scene. I hope they build him a statue in front of the palace one day.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:27 pm
Redemption for Todd….. should have not taken the penalty
January 5th, 2025 at 5:27 pm
Congrats Mike but a fan of this team since 1976 I was rooting for the win over your record. I appreciate what you’ve brought this team over the years and you’ve been nothing but a team player. Kudos to you!!
January 5th, 2025 at 5:27 pm
Cried my eyes out for Mike. So happy for him and the win!
January 5th, 2025 at 5:29 pm
This is why Bowles is a player’s coach. The players will have Bowles back even though he is subpar in most people’s eyes.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:31 pm
Totally agree PSL, as much as we hate the Saints as a division rival, gotta give them (a little) props for putting the fraternal brotherhood of helping a fellow player get his money ($3M) and keeping the record streak going over their Buccaneer hate. The outcome of the game was already determined, so playing “soft coverage” for Mike to get the needed yards was the right thing to do on their end. Glad it worked out that Baker got his 40th TD, McMillan got his TD to end a rookie streak, Mike got his 1k (and $3M), and the team is in the playoffs. Great day!
January 5th, 2025 at 5:32 pm
I’m sure that any fans at the game who stayed to the very end are damn glad they did
January 5th, 2025 at 5:32 pm
FYI Baker had Mike wide open on that McMillan TD. Might have scored
January 5th, 2025 at 5:34 pm
That was right out of a movie script ,,, like David in the D huddle “guys , we got to get the ball back for Rudy (Big Mike ) and they did ,,, and the Bucs take a TO w 37 seconds left to get the play right ,,, Bake was like ,, Victory Position , hell no! Todd was like ok!!! a pick 6 and I’m probably fired tomorrrow but I trust you Baker and , it’s for Mike!
January 5th, 2025 at 5:34 pm
JOE I got emotional too. ME13 is such a great dude on and off the field. He’s played thru the lost decade and still stayed with the team and he’s always bin the same with all the diff QBs throwing him the ball. He is the definition of consistency
January 5th, 2025 at 5:44 pm
mike should get a statue
January 5th, 2025 at 5:45 pm
I’d love to see him get three or four more.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:46 pm
The greatest last play of the season ever.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:49 pm
So glad we don’t have to hear about Joe’s gleaned nugget from last week, regarding Mike’s negated 6yds last week.
The Missus kept telling me to shut up after I said The Joes might have created a worse demise worth considering. 🙂
January 5th, 2025 at 5:51 pm
Fantastic. I am no Bowels fan, but he knows he would have lost the team if he didn’t try to get Mike the record. I believe the Saints really kind of allowed that last completion, but it was still wonderful to witness. If you didn’t tear up at least a little, you need more love in your life.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:52 pm
My son and I were jumping around and screaming. I was like a little kid when he got that catch. I can only imagine what it was like at the stadium. We were at the Bucs-Saints game last year, and I told my son we went a year too early. That was easily one of the greatest moments in franchise history.
January 5th, 2025 at 5:56 pm
Wow! When they brought Mike back out with 32 secs left — when they obviously should’ve been taking a knee — brought tears to my eyes!
And then they got it done. That meant more tears! It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving player and good man.
It all spoke volumes about the quality and culture of the organization!!
Got to give a kudo to NO for not doubling ME. Respect shown — well done!
January 5th, 2025 at 5:58 pm
Whether you want Bowles or Coen as head coach…whether you wanted Jameis or Mariota…all bucs fans were pulling for Mike today.
January 5th, 2025 at 6:03 pm
Love me some MikeZilla. Glad he got the record. Only good thing that happened today.
January 5th, 2025 at 6:07 pm
Mike changed the direction of the franchise.
Few players have the effect he does.
He needs to retire as a Buc for life.
Let’s get him one more title before that happens.
January 5th, 2025 at 6:18 pm
ME13 is smiling. His team won as a team. Getting the record was okay but the win was the goal. He’s getting back to being 100%. Bucs are not SB calibre. Too many major injuries especially. on D. I’m proud of 10-7. Go Bucs!!
January 5th, 2025 at 6:25 pm
So excited for Mike. We all yelled like we won the Super Bowl. Mike is such a good guy and well deserved. Congrats Mike.
January 5th, 2025 at 6:33 pm
Great turnaround for the defense in the second half and especially shutting
down saints on final drive. The defense saved the day for Miike. Vea’s sack
helped set the tone on Saints final drive. And Then there’s Todd who made aggressive calls including the final play to Mike who turn a 3 yard pass into a determined 9 yard gain. Great day for Mike and us. Its a great day in
Tampa Bay!
January 5th, 2025 at 6:33 pm
I was thinking the same thing bro 🤣🤣🤣. You couldn’t have written a more dramatic game/ending. Whew
January 5th, 2025 at 6:34 pm
M1K3 Evans for President 2028!!!! Please
January 5th, 2025 at 6:52 pm
I couldn’t see the end of that play because someone over here was cutting onions. Anyone else have onion issues after that? Congrats to someone who had to endure a 2-win season and some other truly demoralizing ones, but still played hard.
January 5th, 2025 at 6:59 pm
I had my Evans 13 jersey on today to support Mike watching the game from my sofa today. I actually live in walking distance of the stadium and wish I could’ve heard the crowd erupt in cheers. I screamed so loud once he got his yards and then my eyes were a little wet. So happy for him and the team. The D was suspect today but they pulled it together and got a stop for Mike. So proud of the team and happy for Mike! Playoffs baby! Let’s get it! Tampa!!! Bay!!!
January 5th, 2025 at 7:45 pm
Congrats to one of greatest people to ever wear a Bucs uniform, and one of the greatest athletes Bucs fans have ever seen!
January 5th, 2025 at 8:04 pm
So happy for Mike. Thought it was done after the toss to Bucky went for a TD.
Gotta give credit to Bowles for letting them run a pass play there.
January 5th, 2025 at 8:09 pm
Jerry rice did those in 16 games per season (1 season 12 games). Evans needed 17.
January 5th, 2025 at 8:40 pm
Alfred you realize how many games Evan’s played this year you dolt?
January 5th, 2025 at 10:12 pm
When Bucky scored i thought the streak was over. Glad Bucky scored. Mike is so underrated. Maybe after 11 thousand yard seasons people will notice? Nawww
January 5th, 2025 at 10:29 pm
Patrickbucs what game was this today? Week 16 was last week the season would have been over. He wouldn’t even have been playing today.
January 5th, 2025 at 10:32 pm
He got his 1000. Good for him.
January 5th, 2025 at 10:48 pm
My son and I were watching at home like “they freaking better not kneel that ball!!” We jumped up and down and screamed for Mike when he got it and it helped us share our own special moment. I’m so happy Bowles let them take that chance.
January 6th, 2025 at 2:48 am
Been a Bucs fan since 1976. Mike Evans is hands down the greatest player in the history of the team. He so deserved this record and the Bucs deserved this trip to the playoffs. Say what you will about Coach Bowles, but he’s done a tremendous job of keeping the team in contention with all of the injuries this year. Everyone makes bone headed mistakes in their lifetime, nobody walks on water. Just saying.
January 8th, 2025 at 9:23 am
I was fortunate enough to be at that game. I had my 13 jersey on like a ton of others. I was dejected when bucky scored thinking mike’s chance at the record was gone, but I hoped that the defense would get a stop knowing that it would take the extra down, 4th down, and extra time. And yes, I understand making the playoffs was the most important thing, but I wanted that record for Mike.
Then the saints got a first down, but the clock seemed to always work in mike’s favor. And sure enough, Rattler sailed the 4th down pass high and here we go, would Todd give Mike the chance even though a kneel-down was the safe bet here? What a classy move to let him go for it. The whole stadium knew who was going to be targeted, but it didn’t matter, this was destiny! You’ve never seen fans jumping around like they did for that moment in history. Truly amazing.