The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured the NFC South title and the final playoff berth in the NFC after defeating the New Orleans Saints in their Week 18 game. With seconds left to play, quarterback Baker Mayfield chose to throw a pass to wide receiver Mike Evans instead of kneeling down to win the game. Evans needed five catches and 85 yards to earn a $3 million bonus and make NFL history by becoming the first player to start his career with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, tying Jerry Rice’s record.
Evans had eight catches and 80 yards heading into the final seconds of the game, so Mayfield dropped back and threw a quick pass to his left, allowing Evans to pick up nine yards and reach the 1,000-yard mark. After the catch, Evans celebrated with his teammates, including rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan, as the crowd at Raymond James Stadium went wild.
Evans’ accomplishment is a testament to his dedication and hard work, and he expressed his happiness at being able to tie Rice’s record. “I was hoping we’d get a stop because I can’t pass up history,” Evans said. “Coach Bowles didn’t want to let it pass up or [offensive coordinator Liam Coen]. I’m happy that they had me go out there and get that, because this has been hard to do for 11 straight years, and to be tied with one of the [greatest, if not the greatest, receiver] of all time means a lot to me.”
In addition to his $3 million bonus, Evans will also receive a $666,666 incentive for finishing in the top 10 in wide receiver touchdowns across the NFL. The Buccaneers, now winners of the NFC South for the fourth consecutive season, will await the loser of the Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings matchup later on Sunday, as they would assume the No. 5 seed.
