Mike Evans Joins Jerry Rice’s Record for Consecutive 1,000-Yard Seasons

On Sunday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans made NFL history by surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th consecutive season. With this achievement, Evans ties Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the only player in NFL history to accomplish this remarkable feat.

During the Buccaneers’ Week 18 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, Evans reached the milestone with an eight-yard reception in the fourth quarter. This achievement marks the 11th time in Evans’s career that he has exceeded 1,000 yards in a season, matching Rice’s record for most consecutive seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards.

In addition to tying Rice, Evans holds the record for the most 1,000-yard receiving seasons at the start of a player’s career, having surpassed the previous record of six set by Randy Moss from 1998 to 2003. With his latest achievement, Evans has now moved ahead of Moss for second place in all-time 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

Despite facing a more challenging path this season due to a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three games and part of another, Evans demonstrated resilience. After returning to action in Week 12, he needed 665 yards over the final seven games to reach the milestone. However, he averaged an impressive 96.7 yards per game, including standout performances of 159 yards against the Chargers and 118 yards against the Panthers, accumulating 915 yards before the regular-season finale against the Saints. He ultimately secured his 1,000-yard mark with his ninth catch of the day.

Evans is on a trajectory that seems certain to lead him to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of Rice and Moss after his playing days conclude. His accomplishments only serve to bolster his already impressive resume; prior to the Saints game, Evans ranked ninth in NFL history with 105 receiving touchdowns and 21st with 106 total touchdowns. He was also 24th in receiving yards with 12,595 yards.