Bucs fans rallied to donate to Mike Evans Foundation after his contract extension
By Josh Crysler
The Mike Evans Family Foundation, founded by Mike Evans and his wife Ashli Evans, aims to make a difference in the lives of children in need, and families impacted by domestic violence. The foundation has allowed the Evans family to give back to the communities that mean the most to them, raising money for a variety of great causes including thousands of dollars in scholarships provided to deserving students across the country.
The foundation hosts several events per year, including Catch for Christmas where they give gifts to children in Tampa; And his annual youth football camp where Evans returns to his hometown of Galveston, Texas where he hosts a free youth football camp each summer.
When news broke that Evans would be signing a contract extension to keep him in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers' fanbase responded by launching a "$13 for #13 " campaign on social media. The trend caught fire, and throughout the week, Bucs fans continued to raise money for the foundation to show their appreciation for his decision to remain with the Bucs.
Evans' philanthropy off the field, paired with his consistent success on the field has made him one of the most beloved players in Bucs' history. He has built a truly special bond with Bucs fans, and the fanbase had Evans' back throughout the entire tense negotiation period.
"That's how Tampa has always been towards me and my family, so that's why this is home. They have always showed me love even when I'm not playing well. They always have my back, and it drives me to be a better player and a better man," said Mike Evans in his press conference after officially signing his new contract.
Every time Evans fills up the stat sheet, he is also making an impact in the life of someone in need through his Catch for Kids program. An excerpt from the Mike Evans Family Foundation website reads, "The Catch for Kids program ties Mike's on-field performance to his off-field generosity. For every yard Mike earns during the season, one essential item is donated to help others, and for every touchdown he scores, 13 additional items are donated."
As Evans continues to build a legendary legacy off the field, he is doing the same thing on the field. He has compiled a historic ten straight 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career. His 94 touchdowns are the ninth most touchdowns scored by a player with a single team, and he will continue to climb the list. He is one of only four players in NFL history with 90+ receiving touchdowns and 11,000+ receiving yards in the first ten years of their career, joining Randy Moss, Jerry Rice, and Marvin Harrison. Coming off a season where Evans tied for the league lead in receiving touchdowns, it is safe to say the face of the Buccaneers shows no signs of slowing down.
The contract extension is a major victory for the entire organization and fanbase, but perhaps nobody is more ecstatic than Bucs general manager Jason Licht. "Mike is a special player who has made a lasting impact on this franchise and in our community. As great as he's been on the field, Mike and his wife Ashli have had an even bigger effect in the Tampa Bay area through all their charitable work. He is crucial to our team's success and exemplifies everything we want our players to be," Licht said upon the announcement of Evans' re-signing.
Mike Evans is the greatest offensive player in Buccaneers' history, and the day he retires, he will practically own the Buccaneers' record books. Currently, he is Tampa Bay's all-time leader in receptions, scrimmage yards, and touchdowns. His legacy in Tampa Bay is simply untouchable, and he is a lock to one day have his name placed in the Bucs' Ring of Honor and his jersey retired. When you combine his success on the field with his efforts off the field, it is clear why the Buccaneers' fanbase will go to war for Mike Evans.