Mike Evans might be the most underrated receiver of the last decade. While he’s never gotten the love in terms of hardware, he has essentially been a lock for 1,000 receiving yards his entire career. This season, he appeared in just 13 games due to injury, putting Evans’ 1,000-yard streak in jeopardy.
Evans had one last opportunity to make magic happen in Week 18 vs. the New Orleans Saints. To the unbridled joy of many, he was successful. Immediately, a barrage of support came in for Evans as fans celebrated the historic achievement for the veteran wide receiver.
Fans Turn Celebratory As Mike Evans Ties Jerry Rice
Since Jerry Rice was dominating the league with Steve Young and Joe Montana slinging it to him, the league hasn’t had another wide receiver total 1,000 yards for 11 straight seasons. That was until Mike Evans added five yards in the waning moments of the fourth quarter to reach 89 yards on the game — and 1,004 on the season.
As he spiked the ball down, the entire arena exploded into cheers. Teammates, announcers, and fans alike were overjoyed at history being made in front of them. As he ran over to the sideline, the entire team engulfed him in cheers. But it wasn’t just on the field that the celebrations began.
“Some may not like this, but I love it. Good for Mike Evans! Look at the team rally around him,” one fan wrote, clearly ecstatic for Evans to get the record.
Some may not like this, but I love it. Good for Mike Evans! Look at the team rally around him.
— Dr.MattCanada (@TheMattCanada) January 5, 2025
One fan had an important question, “Does that mean he gets his bonus?” On the season, Evans had a $3 million incentive on his contract if he were to tally 1,000 yards again. As he crossed the barrier, the incentive became active, bumping his salary for the season.
Does that mean he gets his bonus?
— Kung Fu and Chemistry (@JulianFitz19940) January 5, 2025
Even though Evans was the man of the moment, many drew attention to the joy that the entire team was celebrating the achievement with him. “Tampa did the right thing to get him that catch and that $3 million bonus. Could have just kneeled and won the game. Chapeau.”
Tampa did the right thing to get him that catch and that $3 million bonus. Could have just kneeled and won the game. Chapeau.
— Colin Lynch PLY (@FormerTTchamp) January 5, 2025
However, with the recent conversation around Saquon Barkley missing Week 18, despite being within reach of the 40-year-old single-season rushing record held by Eric Dickerson, some even had sneaky jibes to throw at the Philadelphia Eagles.
“It’s so nice to see you when the teams go out of their way to make sure guys get their records like this. He sure did deserve it. That was a wonderful moment.”
It’s so nice to see you when the teams go out of their way to make sure guys get their records like this. He sure did deserve it. That was a wonderful moment.
— Arlin (@Arlin4US) January 5, 2025
Others were far more direct with their praise, “Hall of famer.”
Hall of famer
— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69) January 5, 2025
But, like all good things, there were enough detractors for the historic achievement as well. Fans took issue with Evans having the luxury of the 17th game to tie the record, whereas Rice played his entire career with a 16-game schedule.
“This is a 16 game season record for Jerry Rice. Padding the stats on the last play of the seventeenth game deserves a big old asterisk.”
This is a 16 game season record for Jerry Rice. Padding the stats on the last play of the seventeenth game deserves a big old asterisk.
— Dolphins Punch (@Dolphinspunch) January 5, 2025
Asterisk or not, the feat is impressive in and of itself. It speaks to the dedication and consistency Evans has had in his career. While recently playing alongside a rejuvenated Baker Mayfield and Tom Brady gave him better QB play to get 1,000 yards, the quarterback situation wasn’t always ideal in Tampa Bay.
Still, even through those years, Evans was a model of consistency and excellence.
Now, a playoff date on Wild Card Weekend awaits them.
If the Los Angeles Rams lose, they face off with a young Washington Commanders team. However, if they win, the Buccaneers will take on the losing side between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions in the final game of the 2024 NFL regular season.