TAMPA, Fla. — Mike Evans expressed hope that one of his role models, Randy Moss, was observing his recent achievement. The standout wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made history by surpassing the 1,000-yard mark for receiving for the 11th consecutive season, tying the legendary Jerry Rice’s NFL record. This milestone also aligns with a challenge that Moss, who is currently battling cancer, set for Evans when he broke one of Moss’s records four years ago.
Evans stands alone in NFL history as the only player to kick off his career with 11 consecutive seasons of 1,000 or more receiving yards. He accomplished this remarkable feat this season despite missing three full games due to a hamstring injury, which kept him sidelined for a significant portion of a four-game losing streak that jeopardized the Buccaneers’ pursuit of a fourth straight NFC South title.
“I trained with Randy. I’ve been praying for him and his family. He’s among the best receivers ever,” Evans reflected after he reached the milestone on a 9-yard catch from Baker Mayfield during the Buccaneers’ 27-19 playoff-clinching triumph over the New Orleans Saints. “When I initially broke his record of six straight 1,000-yard seasons, he challenged me to maintain it for every year of my career,” he mentioned. “That challenge from one of my idols has continuously motivated me, and I’m keeping him in my thoughts, Big Bro. I’ll strive to fulfill what you set out for me.”
With nine receptions totaling 89 yards in the game, the 31-year-old receiver lifted his season totals to 74 catches and 1,004 yards. Selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2014 draft, Evans now holds every major receiving record within the franchise, and he edged past Moss to secure the second-most seasons with 1,000 yards in NFL history. Rice remains the all-time leader with 14 consecutive seasons of eclipsing 1,000 yards from 1986 to 1996.
“He’s earned it,” stated Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles. “He has given everything to this organization and this team.” The victory on Sunday marked the team’s sixth win in their last seven matches, successfully clinching the division title and securing a home game for the upcoming playoffs.
Evans entered the game needing 85 yards to reach the milestone. He had three catches for 30 yards, putting him just 5 yards away, on a 12-play, 94-yard drive that concluded with rookie Bucky Irving’s 11-yard touchdown run with just 1:51 left on the clock. The Buccaneers’ defense played a crucial role in helping Evans achieve his record by halting New Orleans on downs with 36 seconds left.
“Everyone was rooting for him to get it,” Bowles said. “Bucky should have perhaps gone down with the ball to let Mike get those final yards.” Following the defensive stand, Mayfield connected with Evans on a quick pass, and the determined receiver turned it into a 9-yard gain, igniting a jubilant celebration as his teammates rushed onto the field at Raymond James Stadium.
“The Saints made it tough for us. They were fully aware of what was at stake,” Evans noted. “They kept saying things like, ‘Stay on 13.’ They were vocal about it throughout the game. I’m just thrilled to have achieved this.”
