Mike Evans makes NFL history with 10th consecutive 1,000-yard season

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans accomplished a feat rarely seen in the NFL when he hit the 1,000-yard mark on Sunday. By reaching 1,000 receiving yards in 2023, Evans has now done it 10 times in a row – each year of his career in the league so far.

Only two other wide receivers in NFL history can say they’ve had 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons – Randy Moss and Jerry Rice. Evans now trails Rice by just one season, but he was the first to do it in his first 10 seasons.

“It’s what you want as a kid,” Evans said, via ESPN, after the 21-18 win over Carolina. “That’s what we dream about. I’ve always dreamed about this, I’ve always been a huge fan of sports. I always said, ‘One day, I want to be one of those guys.’

“There’s plenty of them. But I’m happy that I’m one of them. … It seems surreal at times, but I’m in the moment. So maybe when I’m long gone from the game, I’ll look back and really think about what I’ve done.”

Since going No. 7 overall to Tampa Bay in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, Evans has played all 10 seasons of his career for the Buccaneers and won one Super Bowl ring. Despite his consistency year-to-year, he’s only made four Pro Bowls in 10 seasons and earned second-team All-Pro once, in 2016.

Evans’ teammates praise star receiver after record-breaking day

Baker Mayfield has had a front-row seat to Evans’ push toward the record this season. After hugging his teammate in the tunnel after the game, he praised him in his post-game media session as well.

“I really don’t have words to describe what he just did in his career to accomplish that for [10] seasons in a row,” Mayfield said. “And I’m pretty damn happy that I wasn’t the guy to break that streak to be honest with you. But more happy for Mike.

“That’s amazing. He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and nobody can take that away from him. … It’s truly special. It’s one of those things you’ll look back on and be able to cherish that moment, that you were a part of it.”

Evans, now 30 years old, may not play many more seasons, but he’s had a relatively healthy career. He’s only missed nine regular-season games in 10 seasons. Bucs head coach Todd Bowles credited the former Aggie’s work ethic for getting him to this point in his career.

“I don’t know how much more you can say,” Bowles said. “He’s been like this for 10 years now. Over 60 catches 10 years in a row. Over 1,000 yards 10 years in a row. You know he’s getting the ball and everybody’s trying to stop him, and he makes plays over and over. It’s a credit to him, his work ethic, the way he approaches the game. Unbelievable.”

Evans posted seven receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown on Sunday in the win over the Panthers. Up next, the Bucs face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.