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Buccaneers' Mike Evans Drinking From Fountain Of Youth In 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 9:34 PM ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans is entering Year 12, and his motivation for greatness is still as high as ever.

Granted, keeping up with Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the most 1,000-yard seasons in NFL history will do it, as Mike is looking to break that record and go for his 12th straight in 2025, but there's something else motivating him this offseason.

The young receivers at practice.

Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson have both been making a name for themselves at OTAs and minicamp, and Evans can't help but get a pep in his step when watching the young "Bucs" (pardon the pun) do their thing.

"It gives me more motivation," Evans said. "I was once in those shoes, and I remember that hunger, and it helps me keep that hunger, and seeing young, great players like that, that are hungry."

With Evans nearing the end of his career, the receiver is still playing at a high level and is coming off a 2024 season that saw him total 1,004 yards and 11 touchdowns, marking the fourth time in the last five years he has had double-digit touchdowns.

So Mike isn't going quietly into that good night, and with Egbuka and Johnson now buzzing around practice, the veteran now has the grit between his teeth to make sure he is still the top dog on offense.

Granted, there are a host of weapons for Baker Mayfield to utilize, but Evans is No. 1, and if this is his last NFL season, the hunger and thirst for success haven't left him.

With his motivation still burning as bright as ever.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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