Bucs GM Talks Mike Evans' Historic 1K-Yard Season: 'We Would Do Anything for Mike'

Mike Evans matching Jerry Rice's all-time record by completing his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season on Sunday was meaningful, not just to his Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammates, but to general manager Jason Licht's family.

Licht told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer that Evans has gotten close to his family during the receiver's 11 seasons in Tampa Bay.

"We talk about Mike at the dinner table," Licht told Breer. "All week long, even when we went out to dinner last night, it was like, Is Mike going to get his 1,000 yards? You have to make sure he gets his 1,000 yards.

"I could go on and on. We would do anything for Mike."

Licht then told Breer: "To my family, I don't think we can put him in a higher light."

Evans was the first player Licht drafted after he was hired as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager in 2014. He went on to record at least 1,000 yards in each of his first 10 NFL seasons.

The wideout headed into Sunday's Week 18 matchup with the New Orleans Saints just 85 yards shy of the quadruple-digit mark and Rice's all-time record.

According to Breer, Licht prepared for the win by having custom hats celebrating Evans' achievement made.

Evans was five yards short with two minutes on the clock when the Bucs reached the Saints' 11-yard line.

But the Bucs chose not to pass, handing the ball to Bucky Irving for a rushing touchdown instead. The score sealed Tampa Bay's win but appeared to put the record out of Evans' reach.

As Breer wrote:

"With five minutes left, and Evans close, Licht went downstairs to watch the end of the game from the field—only to see Bucky Irving score with two minutes left, which got the Bucs closer to a win, but seemed to end the receiver's pursuit at 995. The equipment guys then took the hats to Licht's car, just as Licht retreated to the equipment room. "

"Once they got back, one of the guys told him the hats were gone, and said, "Congrats on winning the division anyway." Licht responded that it wasn't over yet. Then, a text came from former Bucs coach Bruce Arians. Tampa had the ball back. "

"Call a motherf---ing timeout!!"

Head coach Todd Bowles called the timeout, and instead of kneeling had quarterback Baker Mayfield find Evans as time ran down on the final play of the game.

Mayfield then attended his postgame press conference wearing the hat the Bucs staff had gotten to hand out after all.

Evans later thanked his teammates for setting up the catch, which earned him a $3 million bonus even as the Bucs clinched a fourth straight NFC South title.

The Bucs will now look for Evans to continue his stellar season when Tampa Bay begins the postseason against the Washington Commanders in the Wild Card round.