As iconic Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans approaches his 33rd birthday in August, fellow former NFL star Steve Smith reminisced about the impressive playing tenure he had at the same age. When Smith was 33, he recorded 73 receptions for 1,174 yards with the Carolina Panthers, further demonstrating his knack for producing even in his later years. Notably, Smith went on to have another 1,000-yard season at 35 and contributed significantly to the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs.
On his podcast “89 with Steve Smith Sr.,” the discussion shifted to Evans, a player Smith spoke of with great admiration. He noted Evans’ ongoing battle with hamstring issues, a sentiment that was met with a mix of concern and humor from co-host James Palmer, who playfully chided Smith for frequently mentioning Evans’ injury history. However, Smith firmly defended his perspective, explaining that his comments are intended to highlight Evans’ remarkable consistency despite these challenges.
“It’s not hate,” Smith clarified. “If he was able to play 17 weeks, he’d probably be averaging 1,500 or 1,200 yards for the last 11 straight years.” His intention is to ensure that fans and analysts recognize Evans as a powerhouse in the league, managing to maintain his performance level while frequently battling injuries.
Smith also emphasized how critical Evans’ presence is for the Buccaneers, noting that younger receivers like Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin significantly benefit from the attention and coverage Evans attracts on the field. “That third or fourth corner on a defense is dog doo-doo, and Emeka Egbuka is just going to work [him], and that’s exactly what happened,” Smith highlighted.
With the future of Evans’ career still a topic of conversation, there is a growing hope among fans and analysts alike that the Buccaneers will extend a fitting contract to Evans, allowing him to continue contributing to the team beyond 2026. As Evans continues to carve out his legacy in the NFL, conversations like these remind fans of the dedication and skill that define not just individual players, but the sport itself.