Through this historic NFL achievement, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has stamped his name in the NFL Record Books. He set a new milestone of 11 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons, tying him with the GOAT Jerry Rice. Though still somewhat under the radar, this milestone is a major feat and signature achievement for Evans. He now trails only Rice’s all-time record of 14 consecutive seasons. In a great recent interview with The Players’ Tribune, Rice gave Evans his blessing. He even implored him to go after the NFL record for most career 1,000-yard seasons.
Evans accomplished this incredible feat on the last play of the season, inspiring others with his fight and focus. He currently owns the record for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start a career, breaking Rice’s six-year streak. One of his greatest accomplishments though, laid the groundwork for Evans to move in front of Randy Moss in career total 1,000-yard seasons. Today, he’s well-established in the debate over who is the greatest wide receiver in NFL history.
From 1996, Jerry Rice owned the record for the most career 1,000-yard seasons. Remind you, this was during the NFL’s stone age too, when they played a 16-game regular season. The league expanded to a 17-game season in 2021, giving players more chances to accomplish the other three milestones. During their talk, Rice took the time to explain the art of route running to Evans, highlighting the value of misdirection.
“You got to be able to sell routes. You got to make the opponent believe your first cut is really where you’re going to get the ball,” – Jerry Rice
In reply, Evans said that in fact, he had great respect for Rice’s knowledge and legacy. He mentioned that Rice was “the original” and detailed how he got to master certain routes because of Rice’s influence.
“But the post-corner is to me your best route, and I’ve learned how to run that route because of you,” – Mike Evans
Evans is now in the last year of his deal and turning 32 in August. After a frustrating sophomore campaign—including a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three weeks—he hopes to pick up right where he left off on the gridiron. While he gets ready for the next season now, there’s no doubt he has his sights set on breaking more records.
“Hopefully I can do it … early,” – Mike Evans
It’s a historic day for the two players as their exchange signals a new future. Evans’ only previous encounter with Rice came during a short meeting in 2018. In their latest talk, Evans took the opportunity to ask for advice from one of the game’s all-time legends. Speaking to Evans in their exchange, Rice commended Evans for his effort to obtain public records.
“You know that I’m pulling for you right?” – Jerry Rice
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