Sports

Bucs’ Mike Evans Earns Fourth Walter Payton Man of the Year Nomination

TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has once again been nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide. This marks Evans’ fourth career nomination for the prestigious honor, which celebrates an NFL player’s excellence on the field and his impactful community service.

Tampa Bay, Florida, USA, September 29, 2024, Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Mike Evans #13 at Raymond James Stadium. (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

“To be nominated for this award amongst the best our league has to offer is an incredible honor,” Evans said. “There is so much more to being a professional athlete than what you do on the field. I am humbled to be nominated and grateful to use this platform to positively impact those in need.”

Drafted seventh overall in 2014, Evans has been a cornerstone of the Buccaneers both on the field and in the community. On the gridiron, his Hall of Fame-caliber career includes a streak of nine consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Off the field, Evans’ work through the Mike Evans Family Foundation, founded in 2017 with his wife Ashli, has transformed countless lives.

The foundation’s initiatives focus on empowering youth, supporting education, and addressing domestic violence. This year alone, the foundation awarded $170,000 in scholarships to 15 graduating high school seniors, pushing its total contributions to over $500,000 since 2021. The foundation also created the “Catch for Kids” program, where Evans ties his on-field performance to philanthropy. For every yard he gains, one essential item is donated, with additional contributions for touchdowns. Since its inception, the program has provided nearly 5,000 items to families in Tampa and Evans’ hometown of Galveston, Texas.

Tampa Bay, Florida, USA, September 29, 2024, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 entering the field at Raymond James Stadium. (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

Evans’ commitment extends beyond his foundation. He annually hosts a free youth football camp in Galveston and recently expanded to include a youth basketball league. During the holiday season, the foundation’s “Catch for Christmas” event raises funds for domestic violence victims, provides gifts for children, and supports scholarships. His efforts have also included significant disaster relief contributions, such as $50,000 for hurricane recovery in Tampa and $100,000 for COVID-19 relief in 2020.

The winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award will be announced at NFL Honors during Super Bowl week. Fans can also support Evans by participating in the Charity Challenge, which helps raise additional funds for his foundation.

Back to top button