Mike Evans has already cemented himself as a potential Hall of Fame wide receiver thanks to over a decade of consistent, elite production. While the six-time Pro Bowler remains at the top of his game, Evans, at 31, is aware that his time in the NFL is limited, and has begun to lay the groundwork for his post-NFL career ambitions.
Mike Evans: From Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Team USA?
The Pro Bowl rewards the NFL’s best players with the opportunity to be celebrated for their achievements and compete alongside their peers in an exhibition environment.
Evans has instead opted to use this year’s Pro Bowl invitation as a stepping stone towards his post-retirement goal: to represent Team USA in the 2028 Olympics.
In 2024, Evans earned his Pro Bowl nomination by posting 74 receptions, 1,004 yards, and 11 touchdowns. He was a key part of a unit that ranked as the third-best by PFN’s Offense+ metric.
If Mike Evans and other NFL stars suit up for Team USA in the 2028 Olympics, who’s stopping them? 👀 pic.twitter.com/y5Wgxb6Yvk
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) February 2, 2025
“This is good practice for me in the Olympics,” Evans told reporters regarding flag football at the Pro Bowl Games via Tampa Free Press’ Rock Riley. “Most likely I’ll be retired by 2028. How many years is that? Three years? I don’t know. But if I am retired, I would definitely like to play in the Olympics.”
Is Retirement on the Horizon for Mike Evans?
Evans’ quip that he will “most likely” be retired by 2028 suggests that there may be just three (or fewer) years left in his prolific career.
Notably, three years would give Evans enough time to tie Jerry Rice’s prestigious record of 14 seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards.
Evans has already tied Rice’s record for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, notching his eleventh straight in 2024 to match the best receiver of all time’s remarkable streak.
Mike Evans is the MOST UNDERAPPRECIATED WR IN NFL HISTORY. Tied Jerry Rice’s NFL record with 11 straight 1,000 yard seasons. Baller. Consistent. Always Delivers. Salute @MikeEvans13_ 🫡 pic.twitter.com/9TOgctoPqX
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 6, 2025
Evans also owns the record for the most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to open a career with 11—Randy Moss is the next closest with six. He also boasts elite touchdown production, with his 105 career touchdown receptions ranking ninth-most in NFL history.
Evans continues to re-write the record books and will be remembered as one of the most consistently great players in NFL history, whenever he decides to call it a career. Bringing home a gold medal for Team USA would be the cherry on top of a legendary football legacy.