Former Buccaneers WR Mike Evans reveals new jersey number with 49ers

When Mike Evans decided to leave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to sign with the San Francisco 49ers, he left the entire Bucs organization and fanbase heartbroken.

Lost in the chaos was that not only would he be changing uniform colors, he’ll be changing uniform numbers, too.

With his No. 13 already taken by quarterback Brock Purdy, the face of the franchise who is playing on a $265 million contract, it was apparent Evans would have to ditch the number he’s made famous for the first 12 years of his NFL career.

Mike Evans to wear jersey No. 5 with San Francisco 49ers

Evans has seemingly decided on No. 5, as his retail jerseys have been updated from the double zeros placeholder to reflect his new uniform number. It''s a callback to his high school days when he wore No. 5 at Ball High School in Galveston, Texas.

While a uniform number may seem insignificant, it definitely holds a lot of meaning. Evans has worn No. 13 since all the way back to his college career at Texas A&M.

He wore it for 12 seasons in Tampa Bay, where he made history and built a Hall of Fame resume. The number became his brand identity, as “M1K3” tied in his jersey number 13 but also his historic 1,000-yard record. It’s the logo for his Mike Evans Family Foundation, as well as all of the merchandise he sells.

Perhaps he’ll pivot to “EVAN5,” but it just doesn’t quite have the same ring.

Even after his departure, Bucs fans are keeping close tabs on the greatest wide receiver in franchise history as he starts his new journey with the 49ers. Don’t be surprised to see Bucs fans buy his new “5” jersey in support of one of their favorite players.

As for Evans' No. 13, it’s earned a special spot in the Buccaneers Ring of Honor. He’ll almost certainly have a ceremony with the jersey formally retired when he hangs up his cleats, never to be worn again by a Tampa Bay player in honor of his legendary Bucs career.

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