“If You Know Football, Then You Understand”
January 28th, 2017
Mike Evans says he can’t believe what some fans and media have said about him.
Joe had a simple question for Mike Evans yesterday: Would you become a selfish, diva-like, grudge-holding receiver if the Bucs drafted a receiver in the first round or paid a guy like DeSean Jackson a boatload of cash in free agency?
Yes, Joe asked Evans that yesterday at NFC Pro Bowl practice. However, Joe also explained that many fans and some media believe Evans might have that kind of negative attitude if the Bucs didn’t give him a new contract before drafting or signing a stud.
Evans was in disbelief.
“Somebody thinks that about me, that I might act like a diva? People don’t know nothing then.” Evans said. “I don’t care what anyone says. I want the best receiver that helps us win. I don’t care who it is or what he’s paid.
“Another great receiver on the team gets me more chances. If you know football, then you understand that. I don’t know how people think I would be a diva. That’s crazy right there.
“If we brought in a top receiver, I’d do what [Vincent Jackson] did. He coached me up, helped me, made the transition easier, like he’s done for a lot of guys. That’s what I’d do.”
Joe promised Evans that his attitude and mindset would be shared to set fans straight.
So for those thinking Evans wouldn’t like another top receiver on his turf: Joe advises you find a new song to sing.
January 28th, 2017 at 9:49 am
I never thought that about Mike Evans. I think Mike is a stand up team guy
January 28th, 2017 at 9:50 am
BEAST!!!!!! So glad we got this kid.
January 28th, 2017 at 9:51 am
Love this response. Love his attitude. Love it!
January 28th, 2017 at 9:51 am
Whatever he did during the last offseason, I wish he’d bottle it and transfer it to everyone on the team.
January 28th, 2017 at 10:00 am
Always felt bad we missed out on Beckham, only because the obvious game breaking abilities Beckham has, just feel like Evans is the 2nd banana in that conversation, but after this article, I wouldn’t trade Evans for that attention getting poor sportsmanship diva, Beckham is well on his way to everyone outside NY hating him, thank you Mike for setting the example of what a hardworking humble professional looks like, and a props to VJAX for steering Evans down the right path
January 28th, 2017 at 10:02 am
What an insulting question to ask a guy who’s never shown any signs of that behavior. Ask Odell Beckham that? Sure. But that’s almost disrespectful to ask of someone like Evans.
January 28th, 2017 at 10:03 am
This is why our future is so bright guys. Our most talented young guys all have the right mind set.
Jason Licht is doing a fantastic Job.
January 28th, 2017 at 10:14 am
@JOE
GREAT JOB. That was a hard question to ask but it NEEDED to be asked.
I absolutely understand why Mike might feel dissed that some people could think that about him but you gave him the chance to set the record straight. Hopefully he appreciated the opportunity. I know I did and this makes it that much easier to be a HUGE ME fan!!!
January 28th, 2017 at 10:19 am
What a great dude. His positive attitude has dwarfed his few bad days at this point. We are so effing lucky to have him.
January 28th, 2017 at 10:34 am
What Stpetebucsfan said!!!!
January 28th, 2017 at 10:35 am
Actions speak louder than words…call me cautiously pessimistic if this were to happen.
January 28th, 2017 at 10:38 am
The Buc Realist Says:
July 22nd, 2016 at 9:11 am
you can put down WR and TE for the 2017 daft for the Bucs!!!
January 28th, 2017 at 10:38 am
No worrie Mike reinforcements coming in the second round bro. You and Cooper will be dynamic. School’em up.
January 28th, 2017 at 10:39 am
Give some of Mikes elixir to a certain member of the defense who will go nameless.
January 28th, 2017 at 11:22 am
My favorite player right now. Plus bucs should sign now before OBJ deal sets market. 12-13 a year likely
January 28th, 2017 at 11:55 am
I didn’t know there were bucs fans who even thought that way about mike. That’s messed up. And probably even more messed up to shove that in mike’s face while he’s have a great experience at the pro bowl. Way to damper his fun and excitement, by putting that in his head.
Mike has been a great teammate to everyone as far as I could tell. Joe, this isn’t New York, you don’t need to hound our players to try and dig up a story. I’m disappointed in this type of reporting. I thought Joe had more class. It’s one thing to do it in an OTA before the draft, but at the pro bowl? Come on Joe.
January 28th, 2017 at 12:05 pm
Kinda insulting question. He’s been dealing with double teams and extra safety coverage for two years. He’d be foolish to NOT want the best they can get on the other side of him.
January 28th, 2017 at 12:06 pm
Buc believer don’t do that, you’ll start a mutiny this afternoon. Cooper Kupp in the second. Bucs.com is saying he is the consensus best WR playing today. 17 TDs as a senior and at least 16 TDs each of his four season’s in school. Three 3 TDs as a return man. He gets my endorsement for round two.
January 28th, 2017 at 12:15 pm
Mike & Jamis is cut from the same stone!! They are not me first guys they are true pros that have that burning inside to win championships !! Mike is a stand up guy an he knows that if they bring in a #1 WR in it will only make Them better!! He going to get his no matter what!!
January 28th, 2017 at 12:23 pm
If anything he is hoping they bring in a stud!!! Makes it a lot easier for him!! If you watch him play you see he not inferior to no one!! It’s Family it’s about your brother beside you!! He knows if he does what he does day an day out he will get his an be happy for someone to get there’s !! It’s about winning!!
January 28th, 2017 at 12:38 pm
Never heard seem Anthony like that written by any fan on this site so either you are getting your opinions from fans on other buc websites or your asking silly questions and using fans as an excuse to ask stupid questions.
Don’t use the game as a shield when asking those kinds of questions, that was a stupid question to ask a guy like mine Evans who had rarely been injured or a problem.
That would have been the perfect question to ask GMC who’s up there in age but to late now since you’ve already used that card
January 28th, 2017 at 12:43 pm
Would’ve been a perfect question to ask gmc. The same gmc who when asked about I believe it Leonard Williams responded with “all I know is I’m the 3 technique”. Don’t no about anyone else but the response seem to me he was saying I ain’t giving up my spot for no-one.
January 28th, 2017 at 12:58 pm
Joe is only asking the question because of the diva climate, the elite WRs tend to be cut from the TO/Ocho mold more than the Rice/Fitz, that’s the environment most of these young receivers grew up on, it’s refreshing hearing from Mike what his views are, Joe wasn’t trying to piss him off, or us fans, as a reporter his job is to ask tough questions l, I hope this becomes national news so the next generation of WRs can learn you can be an elite player without being an a$$ unfortunately these kind of stories aren’t attention getters in the public eye, only the childish antics like OBJ/TO type get the publicity, it’s sad, but honestly how is the public going to know how great of a teammate or person Mike is if no one asks him how he feels about his views on this particular subject, good job Joe
January 28th, 2017 at 12:59 pm
Joe I never heard or read anyone say he is a Diva , your comment was first time.
Tampa fans back MIKE up let’s not give him reason to think otherwise
Do you any of you guys know how to read? C’mon. Joe didn’t say that. What’s fact is that many fans have said, and media, Evans might respond with a diva-like attitude if the Bucs drafted a receiver in the first round or signed a dude for big bucks in free agency. –Joe
January 28th, 2017 at 1:10 pm
So guys I have a new WR for us to lust for and he’s projected by Walter to go first or second round. AFTER we take care of RB…get at least one FA WR of quality…E.G. D. Jackson or Stills…I would love if we could get this guy in the 2nd…even if we had to trade up a bit.
Curtis Samuel of Ohio State. I called my son in Columbus. He’s about all things OSU and he’s been honest. He’s also a Browns fan and when I told him I wanted to sign Pryor he was yes it would be a good move but he views Pryor as only a #3 WR…mostly because of poor route running.
When I asked him about Samuel he went off!!! I told him I liked his 4.4 speed and he said that’s not how football fast he is…he’s a dude with incredible burst and a second gear that lets him blow by DB’s. In short my son believes that Samuel was the very best player on the team last year!
He’s another Percy Harvin. He’s played plenty of running back but his position in the NFL will be WR…although with his RB experience end around and trick plays will certainly be available for a creative mind like Koetter.
So imagine #3 under center…either Dalvin or Mixon at RB..both EXPLOSIVE not plodders who get hauled down from behind…they would inhale LB’s trying to cover them out of the backfield.
Then you have ME at #1 WR…either Jackson or Stills at #2 with breakaway speed…and Percy Harvin clone (hopefully minus the migraines!) in Samuels at the #3 spot. Counting either Mixon or Dalvin in the backfield you have 4.4 speed at two receiver spots and coming out of the backfield. You take arguably the slowest team in the league and make it one of the fastest overnight!!!
Talk about weapons for #3! That leaves five rounds and UDFA’s to address the OL and DL maybe another DB unless they think either Hey Jude or Ryan Smith will improve enough to replace Grimes after next year.
January 28th, 2017 at 1:11 pm
Great Question Joe… It’s relevant given the bad press most top receivers receive these days. Mike Evans is being talked about as a top five guy in some circles therefore if they are going to toss Evans name around in the top five it makes it a legit question… The hugs and trophy crowd are hilarious… Note to Safe Sapcers: A straight forward honest question is NOT disrespect. In the old days the truth was ok and honesty and integrity were more important than politically correct BS….
January 28th, 2017 at 1:19 pm
I have yet to see a comment insinuating that Evans would turn into a diva if another top WR was brought in. That kind of came out of left field. There have been many comments. –Joe
January 28th, 2017 at 1:30 pm
Ima start checking him out Pete.
January 28th, 2017 at 1:35 pm
@Joe
THANK YOU for taking the “fake news” stroyline to the source and getting the REAL story. I understand and respect ME’s first 3 year of production, but bottomline is he was the 7th overall pick in the first round. He’s 3 years into a 5 year deal which is paying him millions. Why some other “local media” want Jason Licht to back the brinks truck up to his house and dump tens of millions in his lap when he’s still already receiving millions is asshattedness at it’s best….you know who you are…scott reynolds.
January 28th, 2017 at 1:39 pm
And for the record Mr. Mike Evans….maybe this “diva incenuation” towards you came about by YOU doing such a dumbass diva like act such as…sitting out the national anthem in protest over something you had the power to change but did NOTHING ABOUT. If that doesn’t qualify for liberal snowflake divaness…Yeah.
January 28th, 2017 at 1:55 pm
Never heard anyone say anything like that until now wtf!
January 28th, 2017 at 3:07 pm
There is another possible way Evans could feel about another talented WR to play along side him and that is defenses may not be able to constantly roll coverage on Evans which may make it a little easier to get open or to get more looks from Winston. You can’t double cover everyone. Teams will have to pick there poison when trying to defend our passing attack if we had two studs on the field.
January 28th, 2017 at 3:10 pm
Idk where u got that notion Joe, but I’ve NEVER heard any1 say that? Stir the pot much?
There have been many, here and elsewhere. Joe gave Evans a clear path to respond.–Joe
January 28th, 2017 at 3:15 pm
@ st Pete
I brought that guy up weeks ago. But nobody ever listens to me. Lol. Percy Harvin without the headaches. In case any1 actually reads this I really like the RT(only) from USC. The kid is MASSIVE! Like a young healthy Dot. And we all know that when DOT was healthy he was regarded as one of the best RTs in the LEAGUE
January 28th, 2017 at 3:33 pm
Not watching the Senior Bowl but social media says my early pick of Zay Jones is looking like a good one.
January 28th, 2017 at 3:40 pm
yeah Zay Jones is flashing some good stuff.
And O.J. Howard is doing great as well. Hope he doesn’t boost his stock too much!
January 28th, 2017 at 3:41 pm
josh reynolds looking solid too.
January 28th, 2017 at 3:45 pm
@MEGoat
I always read your stuff. I had forgotten. But then this is where I play the 69 year old card…either that or too many bong hits over the years. LMAO
How long will your RT from USC last…I want an RB first and foremost…I like Dalvin but many of you guys have sold me on Mixon as at least an acceptable alternative.
So depending how things shake out I’d love to have Dalvin/Mixon and then Samuels. If your RT drops to the 3rd let’s look at him.
January 28th, 2017 at 3:49 pm
@ st Pete
He will be there at the end of the 3rd or 4th. They his knock is he is to slow and can be smoked by a speed rusher. But in the run game he EATS people
January 28th, 2017 at 3:51 pm
St Pete
He is like 6’9 350
January 28th, 2017 at 3:55 pm
I would be THRILLED with Cooper Kupp in the 2nd. Great hands and good speed. A lot of guys have made some $ this week
January 28th, 2017 at 4:01 pm
Yeah I like Howard his stock might be rising too much for us.
January 28th, 2017 at 4:02 pm
I like what I see from Josh Reynolds. Take that BS end around away and he had a solid 1st half
January 28th, 2017 at 4:42 pm
What fans?
On JBF?
I’ve never seen anyone say stuff like that.
Make yourself known.
January 28th, 2017 at 4:45 pm
Oooops is this where Joe steps in?
January 28th, 2017 at 4:49 pm
@87
Just joe trying to get to 7 million clicks
January 28th, 2017 at 5:04 pm
This auburn dt Adams first step is DEVISTATING
January 28th, 2017 at 5:21 pm
“Some people say…” thats MM speak to create news where there isn’t any.
January 28th, 2017 at 5:54 pm
Uh, Joe…
Who the hell said that?
And the guy down at the end of the bar or a rando twitter troll doesn’t count. No one with any reach at all has said that about Evans.
January 28th, 2017 at 5:59 pm
Wow, I was as shocked as ME when I read that article. Really insulting question and way off base. I think I have seen one comment suggesting he might be jealous of another WR making more money. ONE poster is all I have seen that has said that. Hardly an outpouring of concern regarding that. If Mike ever visits your site he would know that was just a made up question. It was also a bad question. Would he ever say “hell yeah, they better match my pay with any FA they bring in or I am walking.” His agent may have some conversation with Licht behind closed doors if that happens and he is a decent agent. However, Mike was never going to come out guns blazing when asked basically a rhetorical question.
Sad that you have misrepresent Joe, “a made up question,” why accuse Joe of BS for no reason? Joe has seen and heard much commentary on how the Bucs “better pay Evans before they draft a top receiver or sign one in free agency” because Evans might get pissed off. … Insulting question? Don’t be ridiculous. –Joe
January 28th, 2017 at 6:35 pm
Can’t see how anyone would think that to begin with.
I don’t get that me-first vibe from the guy at all.
Maybe “those fans” did.
January 28th, 2017 at 6:51 pm
Totally fabricated and it got under the guy’s skin. Lame
January 28th, 2017 at 6:53 pm
You know Joe finally went too far when to a MAN every fan on this thread is pointing out the sheer BS this question is.
Again with the bad reading skills. Not everyone at all on here has that opinion at all. –Joe
January 28th, 2017 at 6:53 pm
@ Joe
Put a name on it
January 28th, 2017 at 6:59 pm
Maybe I have simply missed all of these concerns you speak of Joe. Apparently me and several other posters above had no idea there was a lot of noise regarding this. I had zero inkling that this was a legitimate and widespread concern among fans.
January 28th, 2017 at 7:10 pm
We are all just playing right into ur hand tho, aren’t we joe? U post an absurdly controversial article and we all click and comment and argue, and u rack in the dough?
Wrong. There is ZERO controversial about this article/post at all. –Joe
January 28th, 2017 at 7:24 pm
Evans sees the need for a good receiver to make the Bucs better. That’s what I got out of this topic.
January 28th, 2017 at 7:32 pm
Really no reason for Joe to tolerate your insults. –Joe
January 28th, 2017 at 8:12 pm
Bravo Joe !!! I have to hand it to you , great question !!! Truly proud , good job keep up the good work , would love to see more hard hitting questions.
For everyone complaining, it is the unreal , that Evans ask for more money when u have a less WR coming in thru FA making 5 figures , and honestly his agent is probably just waiting for OBJ to set the market and than ask , and if his agent doesn’t ask when they bring in FA , ME better get a new one ,
The truth is that window for these guys to make money is short and they better get it while they can.
January 28th, 2017 at 8:16 pm
Meant to write 8
January 28th, 2017 at 8:19 pm
I’ve been a Bucs fan for along time now, and over the years that I have been watching them. I have seen my share of players come and go. And Mike Evans is one of the most humble playersI have ever seen play the game. Reminds me of a young Ronde Barber with his love and loyalty to his team and his teammates. And like Ronde Barber I hope is always a Buc and plays his whole career with them! Thanks for everything you do Evans!
January 28th, 2017 at 8:34 pm
Does it really matter if fans/media actually feel that way about Evans? It was a better question than “What’s it like to be out here with the best?” or any of those boring questions that nobody cares about. And it seems like it brought out the fire and passion inside of him which is always good to see from young players. Who cares if it’s true or not.
January 28th, 2017 at 8:44 pm
Wow! I’ll confess!!! I’ve posted that question myself. Joe is correct there have been more than me who have asked the question not made an accusation.
It’s the freaking NFL!!! Egos are HUGE. It’s great that ME13 has it figured out but for every ME13 there are two ODB and Antonio Browns.
I just saw piece on Mike and Mike about the number of divas who play WR in the NFL. It’s not an abnormal question. It DID give ME13 a chance to point out that’s not him.
My gawd if his fee fees are that sensitive we have a problem. Simple question simple answer move on.
January 28th, 2017 at 9:40 pm
I hope the Bucs DO go out and get a game changing vet like D Jackson, Let them overpay for him as long as he produces, and if shj!t happens, so what, atleast you tried on a proven commodity, SIGN D Jackson, ME #13 line up next to him and for one 1/1/2 seasons more, SHOW US why we should make u the highest paid receiver in the league a year or two from now SINCE you ARE under contract.
January 28th, 2017 at 10:31 pm
I really don’t see the controversy here. But I can tell you where some of the confusion may be coming from. I can’t speak for everyone, but I want us to resign Mike asap not for fear that he would get jealous of whatever receiver we sign in free agency. But because I want us to sign him before OBJ or Allen Robinson sign some ridiculous mega contract that we now have to match, not because ME13 would be offended if we didn’t, but because once the market is set, that’s what his agent is going to demand.
January 29th, 2017 at 6:26 am
Don’t go after guys like DeSean Jackson, as he’s over the hump for his prime, and mostly what you get is expensive attitude. He’s got perhaps a couple years left but good scouts look for up-and-comers…guys coming off their rookie contracts. The Bucs have been burned too much by guys like Wally Chambers (bet the youngins don’t remember him) or Bert Emanuel or Charlie Garner. Beware of “flash and poof” versus what you want, which is “flash and bang”.
January 29th, 2017 at 7:12 am
Agreed Evans.
January 29th, 2017 at 7:35 am
You’re more thin skinned than Donald Trump. Nothing I wrote was insulting just challenging your BS. Now I will insult you. Total pansy move not being able to back up your opinion with facts and deleting dissenting opinions. Delete away who gives a crap
Warren, absolutely what you wrote was insulting. And any malicious attack on Joe’s credibility is not tolerated. Why should it be? Please note that Joe does not delete dissenting opinions unless they include malicious attacks on Joe’s credibility. There’s no reason for Joe to tolerate being called a liar. Fans in this thread (and in many others) have admitted questioning Evans’ attitude change if the Bucs were to sign/draft a No. 1 receiver before giving him a new contract. Evans’ potential negative reaction also has been a topic on WDAE, and via other media outlets. Take your hate elsewhere. You are now banned from commenting.–Joe
January 29th, 2017 at 8:14 am
Joe your article above seemed to be a quote of the question you asked him. I am curious if that is actually what you said. If you said something like…”if the Bucs bring in a high priced free agent WR to play opposite of you, would you ask your agent to reach out to Licht to see about the possibility of getting a new long term contract in place?” I still disagree that there is real concern out there among the fan base. Posters on this site throw out all kinds of theories on every article you write but I really haven’t seen hardly anyone other than StPete state the concern before now.
January 29th, 2017 at 11:16 pm
So 1 blow hard fan says that mike evans could turn into a diva and joe goes jumping at the chance to make all buc fans look bad. Thanks Joe. My biggest gripe is that you did it at the pro bowl. You couldnt just let him have a good time. P!ssed right in bowl of wheaties. Lol