Mike Evans just added another chapter to what’s already a Hall of Fame-worthy career. During the Buccaneers’ narrow 20-17 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday, the longtime Tampa Bay wideout eclipsed 13,000 career receiving yards - becoming just the 22nd player in NFL history to hit that mark.
The milestone came on a 16-yard catch late in the first quarter, a classic Evans route: crisp, physical, and reliable. It was one of just three receptions on the day for the veteran, who finished with 31 yards, but the moment carried far more weight than the box score might suggest. In a season where Evans has battled injuries and seen limited action, this was a reminder of the elite consistency that’s defined his 12-year career.
Let’s put this in perspective. Evans entered the league in 2014 as the seventh overall pick out of Texas A&M, and from the jump, he’s been a matchup nightmare. At 6-foot-5 with strong hands and a wide catch radius, he’s been a go-to target in every phase of the Bucs’ offense - whether it was with Jameis Winston, Tom Brady, or now Baker Mayfield under center.
What makes this 13,000-yard milestone even more impressive is how Evans got there. He’s done it all with one team - a rarity in today’s NFL.
And he’s done it with a level of consistency that’s nearly unmatched. Before this season, Evans had rattled off 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons - an NFL record to start a career and tied with Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns overall.
That streak will end this year, but let’s not overlook the context: Evans has only played in seven games in 2025, limited by injuries that have kept him from finding his usual rhythm. Even so, he’s managed 28 catches for 334 yards in those appearances.
This isn’t just a statistical achievement - it’s a testament to longevity, durability, and a skill set that’s aged exceptionally well. Evans has never relied solely on speed or flash. His game is built on physicality, body control, and a deep understanding of route running - traits that have kept him productive even as the league and his role have evolved.
For those who watched him dominate at Texas A&M from 2011 to 2013, this rise isn’t surprising. In just two seasons on the field in College Station, Evans posted 151 catches for 2,499 yards and 17 touchdowns.
He was Johnny Manziel’s top target during that electric 2012 Heisman campaign, and his blend of size and athleticism made him a nightmare for SEC defenses. It’s no wonder Tampa Bay made him a top-10 pick in 2014.
Now, more than a decade into his pro career, Evans continues to cement his legacy. The 13,000-yard club isn’t just a number - it’s a who’s who of all-time greats.
And Evans belongs in that conversation. He’s not just a big body who wins jump balls.
He’s a technician, a leader, and a model of consistency in a league that rarely allows for it.
Whether or not he adds another 1,000-yard season to his résumé down the line, Evans has already done more than enough to earn a spot in Canton. Sunday’s milestone was just the latest reminder that we’re watching one of the best to ever do it - and he’s not done yet.