the Tampa Bay Buccaneers The New Orleans Saints upset the team to get a win in Week 18 that gave them the NFC South title and the final playoff berth in the NFC.
With just seconds remaining in the fourth quarter on Sunday, one might be thinking about the quarterback Baker Mayfield He will assume the victory formation and kneel for the win. But he had something else in mind.
He wanted his favorite target to make NFL history and receive $3 million in incentives in the process.
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Mike Evans, left, celebrates with fellow wide receiver Jalen McMillan after a reception to put him over 1,000 receiving yards for the season in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Photos by Jonathan Dyer-Imagine)
Every Tampa Bay fan knew that Mike Evans She entered this game needing five catches and 85 yards to earn a $3 million bonus.
The yards in particular would make history in the NFL as well, as Evans would become the first player to start a career with 11 1,000-yard seasons. He would also tie Jerry Rice's all-time record with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Baker Mayfield leads BUCS to fourth-quarter comeback over Saints to win NFC SOUTH title
When the Bucs had the ball at the end of the game, Evans had eight catches but only 80 yards. He needed five more to set a new NFL record and also earn himself a penny on top of his usual in-game check.
So, instead of just getting on his knees, Mayfield dropped back, threw quickly to his left, and Evans picked up nine yards to finish with nine catches for 89 yards to reach the mark.
Evans fired the ball into the sky and fellow rookie Jalen McMillan immediately ran to him to celebrate while the entire Raymond James Stadium crowd was in awe, knowing Evans got what everyone wanted to see. The rest of Evans' Bucs teammates ran to congratulate him as he walked off the field.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans celebrates after a reception to put him over 1,000 receiving yards for the season in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Photos by Jonathan Dyer-Imagine)
“I wish we could stop because I can't miss history,” Evans said after the game. Yahoo Sports. “Coach Bulls didn't want to let it slide or (offensive coordinator Liam Quinn). I'm glad they made me go out there and get that, because that's been tough to do for 11 years in a row, to be that way.” Being associated with one of the (greatest, if not the greatest, receivers) of all time means a lot to me.”
Added Mayfield: “This is what we came up with, and Mike did the rest. He deserves it. This guy has meant so much to the community, this team, this organization for years. And for him to reach this milestone 11 years in a row and tie Jerry Rice, it's unbelievable.” “
So, Evans finished his 11th NFL season, all with the Bucs, with 1,004 receiving yards. His efforts helped his team reach the playoffs, where they would be the No. 4 seed in the NFC.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans runs a drive against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. (Photos by Nathan Ray Sibick-Imagine)
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It's also worth noting that Evans will see a $666,666 incentive for finishing in the top 10 in wide receiver touchdowns across the NFL.
The Bucs, now winners of the NFC South for the fourth straight season, await the loser of the Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings game later Sunday, where they will earn the No. 5 seed.
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