Mike Evans has been one of the most consistent NFL players of the past decade-plus, and he’s accomplished it all with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as the possibility of retirement creeps into the equation ahead of his age-32 season.
NFL host and reporter Kay Adams brought up the idea of retirement while speaking with Evans on August 6, and the 11-time 1,000-yard wide receiver had a bold response for both her and the rest of the league.
Mike Evans isn’t taking anything off the table — but no matter what, he’s “A Buc for life” 🏴☠️
@heykayadams | @MikeEvans13_ | @Buccaneers #WeAreTheKrewe“Right now I’m just focused on this season,” Evans began his response, via the ‘Up & Adams’ show. “This is the last year of my deal. I’m obviously an older player. But I feel great, so retirement at the end of the season is not off the table, and playing for [another] two to five years is not off the table either.”
Did he say another five years?! Hold on, even Evans had to stop himself and pump the brakes on that last part.
“Well, five years, no. I’m not playing five more years,” Evans admitted. However, he does think two or three more impactful seasons are very possible.
“I know I’m not playing five more years, but right now, if you ask me today, yeah, it’s easy for me to say I can play another two-three years,” the star wideout voiced. He did add that a lot goes into the season, and things could always change, but as of now, it doesn’t seem like Mike Evans has any real plans to retire after 2025.
Oh, and by the way, Evans also confirmed that he’s a “Buc for life, no matter what.”
Mike Evans Continues to Look Like a Machine at Buccaneers Training Camp as WR Injuries Pile Up Around Him
It’s really incredible. The Buccaneers have endured several injuries at the wide receiver position throughout training camp, but the elder members of the room — Evans and Sterling Shepard — are not among them.
Evans did miss three games last season, but he’s been an iron man throughout the majority of his career, and that’s been the case this summer as well.
On August 7, as the Bucs began joint practices with the Tennessee Titans, Evans was his usual self.
“Incredible catch by Mike Evans during today’s joint practice with the Titans,” Buccaneers team reporter Brianna Dix relayed on X. Explaining: “Reached in the air for a one-handed grab and tipped to himself to secure during first-team period.”
It’s been another strong-looking training camp for Evans, who had a highlight-reel touchdown grab from quarterback Baker Mayfield on August 5, too.
The reliable veteran should enter Week 1 as the top wide receiver in what could be a very potent 2025 offense. With Chris Godwin potentially unavailable to start the year, Jalen McMillan and standout rookie Emeka Egbuka would presumably line up as the WR2 and WR3 behind Evans.
What Might Cause Mike Evans to Retire From the NFL Early?
Evans set his likely timeline as two to three years, but he did leave the door open for a much sooner retirement after 2025 or 2026. So, what might cause the Super Bowl champion to hang ‘em up early?
Two things come to mind, although an off-the-field reason could always take precedence, too.
The first would be winning another Super Bowl in the winter of 2026! If the Bucs climb the mountain again this season and come out on top, Evans could decide there’s no better time to call it a career.
And two, the dreaded injury that we fans don’t even want to speak into existence. If Evans decides that risking his body and playing through the pain are no longer appealing, he could decide he’s accomplished all he’s set out to do and retire.
Aside from those two scenarios, it feels likely that Evans will be preparing for another NFL season a year from now.
Bucs Star Mike Evans Sends Bold Message on Potential Retirement