Mike Evans made history — and big money — with just seconds to spare.
Evans surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the season with less than a minute left in the Buccaneers’ season finale against the Saints on Sunday. It marks the 11th consecutive season he’s done so, tying Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the only other player to do so.
The catch came on a short pass to Evans from Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield on a first-and-10 on Tampa’s 32-yard line that turned into an 8-yard reception, allowing Evans to tie Rice’s record.
“He does it!” Fox play-by-play man Kevin Burkhardt said during the memorable play. “Jerry Rice has company!”
Evans spiked the ball in celebration and yelled in excitement as his teammates came up to celebrate the moment with him.
Evans, also, managed to reach a $3 million incentive bonus in his contract with the reception.
As he ran to the sideline, the Raymond James Stadium crowd roared and he was mobbed on the sideline.
Evans had entered Sunday’s game against the Saints just shy of the mark with 65 receptions and 915 yards.
All eyes had been on the receiver waiting to see if he’d cross the 1,000 receiving-yard line to keep his streak alive.
Evans finished the game with nine catches and 89 yards and finished the regular season with 1,004 yards in 2024.
Rice is now the only player in NFL history to have more overall 1,000-plus yard seasons with 14 during his career.
Evans’ path to 1,000-plus receiving yards this year came as a bit of a tougher challenge after suffering a hamstring issue that cost him three games.
Upon his return in Week 12, Evans averaged 96.7 yards per game to help reach the milestone.
Adding to the celebration is that the Buccaneers defeating the Saints clinched the NFC South title and a playoff spot for the team, which has reached the postseason for five straight years.