Bucs’ Mike Evans makes NFL history, cashes in $3 million incentive with final game chase
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers they overturned the New Orleans Saints on downs to seal their Week 18 victory that gave them the NFC South title and the final NFC playoff berth.
With just seconds left in the fourth quarter Sunday, you’d think it was a quarterback Baker Mayfield he would assume a winning formation and bow out of victory. But he had another thing in mind.
He wanted his favorite target to make NFL history and earn $3 million in incentives in the process.
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Mike Evans, left, celebrates with sophomore wide receiver Jalen McMillan after a reception that gave him more than 1,000 yards for the season in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images)
Every Tampa Bay fan knew Mike Evans entered this game with five catches and 85 yards to earn a $3 million bonus.
In particular, the yards would also make NFL history, as Evans would become the first player to ever begin his career with 11 1,000-yard seasons. He would also tie the great Jerry Rice’s all-time record with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
BAKER MAYFIELD LEADS BUCS TO 4TH QUARTER COMEBACK OVER SAINTS TO WIN NFC SOUTH TITLE
When the Bucs took over late in the game, Evans had eight catches, but only 80 yards. He needed five more to set a new NFL record and also earn a pretty penny on top of his regular game check.
So instead of just giving up, Mayfield came back, threw quickly to the left and Evans picked up nine yards to finish with nine catches for 89 yards and a touchdown.
Evans launched the ball into the sky, and rookie teammate Jalen McMillan immediately ran to him to celebrate as the entire Raymond James Stadium crowd went wild, knowing Evans got what everyone wanted to see. The rest of Evans’ Bucs teammates ran over to congratulate him as he walked off the field.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans celebrates after a reception that put him over 1,000 yards for the season in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images)
“I was hoping we’d stop because I can’t miss history,” Evans said after the game, per Yahoo Sports. “Coach Bowles didn’t want to miss it either [offensive coordinator Liam Coen]. I’m glad they made me go and get it, because this was hard to do for 11 straight years, and to be associated with one of [the greatest, if not the greatest, receiver] of all time means a lot to me.”
Mayfield added, “That’s what we came up with and Mike did the rest. He deserves it. This guy has meant so much to the community, to this team, to this organization for years. To be able to accomplish that feat 11 years in a row and tie Jerry Rice, it’s amazing.”
So Evans finishes his 11th NFL season, all with the Bucs, with 1,004 receiving yards. His efforts helped his team reach the playoffs, where they would be the No. 4 seed in the NFC.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans runs a route against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
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It’s also worth noting that Evans will receive a $666,666 incentive for finishing in the top 10 in wide receiver touchdowns across the NFL.
The Bucs, now winners of the NFC South for the fourth straight season, await the loser of the Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings matchup later Sunday, as they would take over the No. 5 seed.
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