Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans has carved out an excellent career, racking up accomplishments and the respect of his peers along the way.
His consistency is unmatched in today’s game. For 11 years, he’s headlined Tampa Bay’s receiving corps, and for 11 years, he’s topped 1,000 yards.
It took until the season’s final play to cross that threshold in 2024, but players aren’t putting an asterisk next to Evans’ accomplishment.
In fact, at the Pro Bowl, they were giving him props. Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs revealed the key to Evans’ Hall of Fame candidacy.
"Most aura? I said [I'm gonna] give it to you," Jacobs said. "You've got to give it to the guy that's been dominating consistently. Your ass is gonna be in the Hall of Fame, bro."
“Aura” might not impress the old men voting for Evans a few years down the line, but it seems like everyone except Marshon Lattimore has some level of admiration for the veteran receiver, and those soft factors could play a role in his potential enshrinement.
His consistency, though, continues to set him apart – even in a league perpetually churning out elite receivers.
Evans has made six Pro Bowls, earned two second-team All-Pro selections, and put up double-digit touchdowns six times. To do so with quarterback play ranging from Mike Glennon to Tom Brady is equally impressive.
However, it’s worth noting that Evans might have to add even more to his plate if he’s going to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
A maximum of eight new entries are welcomed into Canton each year, meaning there’s a backlog of receivers waiting for enshrinement. Will his resume get the nod over Julio Jones or Antonio Brown; Davante Adams or Torry Holt? Hesitancy about Evans’ chances doesn’t have to be an indictment of his incredible talent.
Nevertheless, he seems to have the backing of his peers, momentum that could help him out in the half-decade after he calls it quits. For the sake of the Hall of Fame, the most important years of his career might be what he accomplishes in its twilight.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!