The final week of the 2024 NFL regular season turned out to be a great one for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They clinched their fourth consecutive NFC South title with a 27-19 win over the New Orleans Saints. It was an even better day for their star wide receiver, Mike Evans, who cemented his place even further in the record books.
Week 18 was huge for Evans. He had to catch five passes and record 85 receiving yards to earn a $3 million bonus for reaching 70 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards. With just over 30 seconds left on the clock, Baker Mayfield’s pass found Evans to cash in $3 million, along with a $666,666 bonus for ending the regular season in the top 10 of the most receiving touchdowns list.
Evans also extended his NFL-record streak of 1,000-yard seasons to start a career. With 89 receiving yards on the day, he hit 1,000+ yards for the 11th season in a row, tying Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in NFL history.
Mike Evans’ Celebration for His Record-Setting Performance in Week 18
The Bucs had sealed the game when they took possession after the Saints turned the ball over on downs. Yet, they had an ulterior motive to fulfill before leaving the field. Rather than down the ball in a victory formation, Tampa Bay opted to put the ball in play with only half a minute remaining to help Evans hit the 1,000-yard mark.
Mayfield launched a precise pass to add nine more receiving yards to Evans’ tally, giving the veteran WR 89 receiving yards on the day and pushing him over the mark with 1,004 on the year.
Instead of kneeling, the Bucs threw to Mike Evans to put him over 1,000 yards receiving—giving him a $3 million bonus.
The team’s celebration with him:pic.twitter.com/jpA1kBaDyt
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) January 5, 2025
After tying Rice’s record, Evans spoke to the media and expressed his gratitude to his teammates for assisting him in reaching the milestone.
“I was hoping they’d get the stop. I couldn’t pass up history. … one of the coolest moments in Raymond James. … To be tied with the greatest to do it. … The defense knew the record was on the line, and they were trying to get off the field. I appreciate them for that,” he said.
Evans also shared his plans for the celebration upon a reporter’s request.
“I might go to the casino [with] my family. I might go just, you know, hang out, watch some games, and play a little blackjack. They can’t get where I’m going [on if the fans are going to follow him there],” he revealed.
Evans’ Teammates on His 1,000-yard Season
The Bucs shared a picture of Evans in an M1K3 tee from the locker room after their win against the Saints, during which Mayfield revealed his mindset during the final moments of the game.
“Get the ball to 1️⃣3️⃣ and get him this record because he deserves it,” he said.
“We love him, we’re lucky to have him, and I can’t say how proud I am of him,” Mayfield added.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles heaped praise his wide receiver for the achievement.
“He’s earned it….I’m really happy for him,” he said.
Evans and the Buccaneers aren’t finished yet, however, as they will take on the Washington Commanders on Wild Card Weekend next Sunday night.