Former Buccaneers Head Coach Comments On Mike Evans' 11th Straight 1,000-Yard Season

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden showed his appreciation for wide receiver Mike Evans after he reached his 11th-straight 1,000-yard receiving season.

Jan 5, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) celebrates after a reception to put him over 1,000 yards for the season in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images / Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints 27-19 in Week 18 in a game that was a must-win in order for the franchise to lock up its fourth straight NFC South title and fifth straight playoff appearance. With the game in sight, after a turnover on downs by the Saints, the Bucs had under a minute left.

In any usual situation, the team would run the clock out, but this was anything but a normal situation. Veteran wide receiver Mike Evans was just five yards away from reaching 1,000 yards receiving, so the Buccaneers awarded their star wideout with a catch at the end of the game to surpass the mark - tying him with Hall of Fame legend Jerry Rice for most consecutive seasons with 1,000 receiving yards with 11.

The nod to Evans to inch him closer to an all-time NFL record and the reactions from fans, teammates, coaches, and everyone involved goes to show you how much he means to the Buccaneers' franchise. Evans work off the field only cements his legendary status, but people are finally starting to take notice of what Evans is accomplishing in his career after years of being in the shadows of other high-profile wide receivers.

One of those people who's eye was caught by what happened at the end of Week 18's game was former Buccaneers' head coach Jon Gruden, who shared his thoughts on the magical moment in Tampa Bay — first on X, and then in a lively rant on his Barstool Sports show.

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This is awesome! Not many better guys that have done more for Tampa than Mike has. pic.twitter.com/PzQ4B3hfhX

— Jon Gruden (@BarstoolGruden) January 5, 2025

Mike Evans reaching 1,000 yards for the 11th straight season has Jon Gruden feeling nicey #Bucs pic.twitter.com/xTsCy3pc1Z

— Matt Matera (@matty4_matera) January 6, 2025

Gruden spent seven years as the Buccaneers' head man before leaving and helped bring Tampa Bay its first-ever Super Bowl Championship. However, after news regarding Gruden's mishaps during his time as a head coach, the Bucs stripped Gruden's name from their Ring of Honor.

Recently, however, it seems that Gruden is getting back in the good graces of those in the sports and football world, as he made an appearance at a Bucs' game earlier this year as a guest of the Glazer family and currently holds a role with Barstool Sports. Gruden has always wanted to be close to coaching in his career, and he might have an opportunity arise in the not-too-distant future as his name continues to circulate around the league.

Mike Evans is one of the all-time greats to ever put on red and pewter, and he, along with the rest of the Buccaneers, will get their chance to continue etching their names in the history books when they take on the Washington Commanders in the first round of the playoffs.

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