Antoine Winfield Jr. gave a touching tribute to Mike Evans in win over Saints

Star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were robbed of a scoop-and-score fumble recovery in their Week 8. The questionable officiating ultimately didn't prevent them from pulling out a 23-3 road win over the New Orleans Saints, though it was a temporary buzzkill.

While Winfield's pay dirt trip didn't count, Buccaneers fans may have recognized his celebration in the end zone, considering they've seen it countless times. He re-enacted longtime franchise wide receiver Mike Evans' patended touchdown dance.

As the Krewe knows, Evans recently suffered a broken collarbone in his highly anticipated return from a hamstring strain. So, this was Winfield's way of paying tribute to his future Hall of Fame teammate.

Antoine Winfield Jr. pays homage to Mike Evans in Buccaneers' win vs. Saints

Time and time again throughout his illustrious, the Tampa Bay faithful has watched Evans do the iconic boxing punch routine after scoring. It has never gotten old seeing him show appreciation for the combat sport. Now, Winfield is continuing the tradition in his honor; "we'll file this under the "things you love to see category."

Everyone including Winfield would much rather Evans be the one (metaphorically) knocking opponents out. However, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Winfield effectively expressed how much he and his comrades miss Evans. Bucs supporters loudly echoed a similar sentiment with their donations to the latter's foundation in the wake of an unfortunate shoulder injury. The entire Tampa Bay community is remarkably rallying around the standout wideout.

Evans has notably gone on the record to credit NBA superstars LeBron James and Dwayne Wade in the past for the creative juices. He drew inspriation from them dating back to their dominant run with the Miami Heat, albeit with his own flare. Now, Winfield shares the love in Tampa Bay's victory against the Saints.

Moments like this remind you that football is more than a game. The bonds and brotherhood players build goes far beyond the gridiron, and Winfield's commemoration of Evans is a testament to that notion. This Bucs group is connected and leaving it on the field for everyone in the locker room.

Tampa Bay will likely be without Evans until December. He underwent surgery and is reportedly expected to return in "eight weeks or fewer," per NFL Network of Ian Rapoport. In the meantime, Winfield and the Bucs will look to keep the ship afloat in his absence.