TAMPA BAY, Fla. — The connection between Tom Brady and Mike Evans was simple to see in any recreation throughout their three years collectively in Tampa, however what Evans did not anticipate getting in was the bond they might develop off the sphere.
“It is loopy that we had the connection that we did,” the five-time Professional Bowl receiver informed FOX Sports activities on Wednesday after apply. “We had been approach nearer than I anticipated us to be. He nonetheless retains in contact, despite the fact that he is one of many greatest stars on the planet. He is only a down-to-earth man. Simply seeing who he’s outdoors of soccer. I bought to know his household, his children.”
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Brady retired after the 2022 season, and Sunday marks his return to Tampa. As FOX Sports activities’ Lead NFL Analyst, he’ll name the Bucs‘ residence recreation towards the Eagles together with Kevin Burkhardt, Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi.
Bucs followers will little question like to see Brady again, and he’ll be joyful to see his outdated teammates, particularly his former WR1. When Brady named his 3 Stars of Week 1 and included Tampa quarterback Baker Mayfield, he referred to Evans as “my boy” within the announcement.
Brady took a leap when he left the Patriots in 2020 after 20 years and 6 Tremendous Bowl championships, however his second chapter began off completely, with the Bucs beating the Chiefs to win Tremendous Bowl LV on their residence area.
Tampa Bay would win two extra division titles in 2021 and 2022, with Brady main a reset of the franchise’s identification. Earlier than his arrival, the Bucs had missed the playoffs 12 straight years, however now they’ve a streak of 4 straight postseason appearances, matching a franchise file.
“I did not know him when he was in New England, and he was about his enterprise right here, however you noticed a lighter aspect to him,” Evans mentioned. “I have been to fights with him, frolicked with him outdoors of right here. He is only a nice dude, and he loves his household.”
Evans, 31, is in his eleventh NFL season, and whereas he and Brady performed collectively for less than three years, no different quarterback has thrown him extra landing passes — 32 of his 96. Regardless of Brady taking part in so lengthy in New England, Evans ranks fifth in all-time Brady touchdowns, behind Rob Gronkowski, Randy Moss, Julian Edelman and Wes Welker.
When the Bucs wanted a win to clinch the NFC South late in Brady’s final season, he and Evans related for considered one of their greatest video games collectively. In a Week 17 victory over Carolina, Evans had 10 catches, 207 yards and three touchdowns.
“Mike performed superior, like he at all times does,” Brady mentioned that day. “I really like taking part in on the market with him. He is a tremendous participant.”
Tom Brady and Mike Evans related for 32 touchdowns of their three seasons collectively in Tampa, and their bond prolonged past the sphere. (Photograph by Wealthy Graessle/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos)
Evans mentioned he remembers how properly Brady discovered methods to attach with youthful teammates, and the 2 constructed a fast friendship. NFL rosters can flip over shortly, however there are nonetheless 24 gamers on the Bucs’ present 53-man roster who performed with Brady in Tampa.
Which Brady landing is Evans’ favourite? You may suppose it is the primary rating within the 2020 NFC Championship Recreation in Inexperienced Bay, or considered one of many acrobatic full-extension catches Evans is known for, however his favourite is definitely one of many best he caught.
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It is not their first collectively — that got here of their first recreation, a street loss to the Saints — however this was of their first residence recreation collectively, towards Carolina on Sept. 20, 2020. Within the first quarter, with 4:38 left on the Panthers’ 23, Evans dropped a stop-start transfer on Carolina nook Donte Jacksonand Brady pump-faked. Evans sped down the left sideline, turning round only a split-second earlier than the cross hit him within the abdomen.
“I did not anticipate the ball placement, but it surely was so good I needed to catch it,” Evans mentioned. “Receivers love these simple ones. Donte Jackson coated it nice, however [Brady] threw it proper to my stomach and I caught it. It simply confirmed his greatness. Even once you had been coated, he threw it to you.”
Greg Auman is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports activities. He beforehand spent a decade protecting theBuccaneers for theTampa Bay Occasions and The Athletic. You possibly can comply with him on Twitter at@gregauman.
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