Evans was understandably pumped by getting the cherry on top of a successful Sunday and acted as though he would have run through a series of brick walls had they been available. He had to settle for being mobbed like those college kids when they are told they've earned a scholarship in front of the entire team.

The Bucs receiver and future Hall of Famer joins a local pantheon that includes Blake Snell, Brandon wrestling and more.

For a while it looked like it would not happen but in the final seconds of the Tampa Bay’ 27-19 win over the New Orleans Saints – not only did the Buccaneers clinch playoff berth but NFL history was made.

With less than a minute remaining, Evans needed just five yards to get the record. Instead of kneeling, the Buccaneers drew up a pass play to Evans and that catch put him over the 1,000-yard mark as well as earning him a $3 million bonus.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers star receiver Mike Evans needed 85 yards to not just make NFL history but cash in a $3 million contract incentive in Week 18.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans continued his career-long streak of 1,000-yard receiving seasons on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, hauling in a 9-yard pass in the final seconds to surpass the mark for the 11th straight season.

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.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans entered Sunday's regular-season finale against the New Orleans Saints needing five catches and 85 yards

The guys I played for would have doubled that dude Mike Evans like it was a punt return....no way he's getting that record on us‼️ — Scott Shanle⁵⁸ (@scottshanle) January 5, 2025 S

Thankfully, Tampa Bay did get the ball back. On their final possession, with the victory and NFC South already secured, the Buccaneers had one goal in mind—get Evans over 1,000 yards. Baker Mayfield quickly connected with Evans on a nine-yard pass, putting Evans at 1,004 yards on the season.