The Tampa Bay Buccaneers upset the New Orleans Saints on downs to seal the win in Week 18, clinching the NFC South title and the NFC's final playoff berth.
With seconds left to start the fourth quarter on Sunday, some would think quarterback Baker Mayfield would assume the victory formation and take a knee to seal the victory. But he had something else in mind.
He wanted his favorite target to make NFL history and earn $3 million in incentives in the process.
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Mike Evans, left, celebrates with fellow wide receiver Jalen McMillan after his 1,000-yard season reception in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Jonathan Dyer Image)
Every Tampa Bay fan knew Mike Evans was coming into this game needing five catches and 85 yards to earn a $3 million bonus.
Evans will also make NFL history as he becomes the first player to start his career with 1,000 yards in 11 seasons. This would tie the great Jerry Rice's record of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Baker Mayfield leads Bucs to 4th quarter upset over Saints and win NFC South title
When the Bucs got the ball in the final minutes of the game, Evans had eight catches but only 80 yards. I needed five more to set a new NFL record and earn a pretty penny on top of my regular game checks.
So, rather than kneel, Mayfield stepped back and threw quickly to the left, and Evans picked up nine yards and finished with nine catches for 89 yards.
When Evans launched the ball into the air, rookie teammate Jalen McMillan immediately ran up to him to celebrate, and the entire Raymond James Stadium crowd was excited, knowing Evans got what everyone wanted to see. Ta. The rest of Evans' Bucs teammates ran up to congratulate him as he left the field.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans celebrated after completing his 1,000th season reception in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Jonathan Dyer Image)
“I was hoping to get a stop because I can't afford to miss history,” Evans said after the game, according to Yahoo Sports. “Coach Bowles didn't want (offensive coordinator Liam Cohen) to miss that. I'm glad they let me go out there and get that done. It means a lot to me to be tied with one of the best receivers of all time (if not the best) because it was hard to do on a streak and it's going to be hard to keep going. ”
Mayfield continued, “That's what we figured out and Mike did the rest. He deserves it. This guy has meant so much to the community, this team, this organization over the years. He will be able to accomplish that feat in 11 years.” I can't believe I went on to tie Jerry Rice.”
Evans finished his 11 NFL seasons with the Bucs with 1,004 receiving yards. Thanks to his efforts, the team advances to the playoffs and becomes the fourth seed in the NFC.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans runs a route during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Nathan Ray Seebeck Iman Images)
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It's also worth noting that Evans will receive $666,666 in incentives if he ranks among the top 10 in wide receiver touchdowns in the entire NFL.
The Bucks, who have won the NFC South for the fourth straight season, will await the loser of later Sunday's game between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings for the No. 5 seed.
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