Current Buccaneers' legend Mike Evans and Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice teamed up for a special tribute titled ‘Gridiron Originals: One Thousand’ on the Players' Tribune to discuss their shared 11-consecutive 1,000-yard seasons record and the art of route running. The two discussed the nuances of the game and Evans presented Rice with a custom pair of gloves at the end of the episode to commemorate their shared milestone. In the clip, past and present collided as two acclaimed receivers shared their unifying passion for the game.
Evans has cemented his place among the league's heralded names at the position and will one day be immortalized in Canton, alongside Rice. In 2024, Evans extended his historic streak of 1,000-yard receiving seasons to 11 – every season of his illustrious career – finishing with 74 receptions for 1,004 yards and 11 touchdowns. In the process, he tied Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in NFL history (11) and surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss (10) for the second-most total 1,000-yard seasons in league annals, trailing only Rice (14). It marked Evans' sixth season with 1,000-plus receiving yards and 10-plus receiving touchdowns – the fifth-most such seasons in NFL history, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famers Rice (9), Marvin Harrison (8), Moss (8) and Terrell Owens (8). Evans is the only receiver in NFL lore with 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons.
Evans, a jump-ball specialist known for his proficiency at executing back-shoulder catches on fade balls and ability to power through jams with physicality, is the linchpin of the Bucs' offense. He sets the tone and throughout various coordinators, schemes and quarterbacks, Evans' consistent production on the gridiron remains unblemished.
Rice, arguably the greatest receiver of all time, produced mind-boggling numbers including receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895), the most 1,000-yard receiving seasons (14), total touchdowns (208) and combined net yards (23,546) during his tenure. He was named to the All-Pro list for 11-consecutive seasons and was voted to 13 Pro Bowls. Rice could take a slant or end-around to the house and had a knack for making defenders turn their shoulders while he broke on comeback routes. He had an unparalleled work ethic and built one of the most renowned careers off the fear of failure. Rice was a perfectionist at his craft and revolutionized the game in an era where the run game reigned supreme. He did it all: make defenders miss to create yards after catch, beat coverage on a post and block with the intensity of a lineman. Rice was a key ingredient in the Niners' victories in Super Bowl XXIII, XXIV and XXIX.
Both Evans and Rice got together for an afternoon of football talk, but their greatness transcends.
