Mike Evans made NFL history once again on Sunday, January 5, 2025, as he tied Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice's record for the most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.<\/p>
During the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Week 18 game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium, Evans needed to record 85 receiving yards to secure his 11th straight season with over 1,000 yards. With only 36 seconds left on the clock and the Bucs leading 27-19, Evans caught his ninth pass of the day from quarterback Baker Mayfield for 9 yards, surpassing the milestone with some jubilant moments on the field as his teammates celebrated the achievement.
Finishing the game with 89 receiving yards on 9 catches, Evans ended the season with 74 receptions for 1,004 yards and 11 touchdowns, also triggering a $3 million bonus for meeting the contractual requirements of 70 catches, 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns. "I was hoping we'd get a stop, because I can't pass up history," said Evans, reflecting on the moment. "Coach Bowles didn't want to let it pass up or [offensive coordinator Liam Coen]. I’m happy they had me go out there and get it."
This accomplishment is significant as Evans now shares the record for most consecutive seasons of 1,000 receiving yards with Rice, who achieved the feat during his illustrious career from 1986 to 1996 with the San Francisco 49ers. Rice concluded his career with 14 seasons surpassing 1,000 yards, setting the all-time mark. By tying Rice, Evans has now surpassed legendary wide receiver Randy Moss, who held the previous record of six consecutive seasons to start his career.
Despite missing three games this season due to hamstring injuries, Evans showed remarkable resilience. Evans started the 2024 season strong with 1,255 yards, but by the time he returned to action in Week 12, he required 665 yards over the final seven games to reach 1,000. He successfully averaged 96.7 yards per game thereafter, including standout performances of 159 yards against the Chargers and 118 yards against the Panthers.
Head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged the importance of getting Evans to his milestone during the final moments of the game, stating, "This is the kind of history we don't want to miss out on." Fans and teammates rallied to support Evans, and it was clear this achievement was not just another statistic; it was about respect for the game and honoring one of its greatest players.
"That was what we came up with, and Mike did the rest," Mayfield commented post-game, clearly elated by the achievement. He highlighted how much Evans means to the team and the community, noting, "This guy means so much to the community, this team, this organization for years. For him to be able to reach this feat 11 years in a row and tie Jerry Rice—it's unbelievable."
Looking forward, Evans will aim to prolong his streak with at least three more seasons to catch up to Rice's record of 14 overall. His consistency has made him one of the most reliable targets in the league throughout his career, and with many years still potentially left to play, fans and analysts alike are eager to watch how far he can extend this record.
Now as the Buccaneers look forward to the Wild Card playoff round, they will be facing off against either the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, or Washington Commanders. Evans also has the opportunity to secure additional bonuses, adding to the financial and statistical stakes of his incredible run. If the Bucs can clinch another victory, Evans stands to earn another $500,000 bonus.
Consistency is rare in professional sports, especially within the unforgiving world of the NFL, but Mike Evans has established himself as one of the pillars of durability and excellence. With his ability to perform under pressure and rewrite the history books, Evans continues to solidify his legacy as one of the all-time greats. Sunday’s game was not just another win; it was another step closer to football immortality as Evans continues to carve his name alongside legends.