Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson And The Pro Football Hall Of Fame
September 17th, 2025
Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson.
Really cool story about Bucs legends Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson and how Jackson helped mold Evans to be the future Hall of Fame receiver he is.
Zac Keefer of The Athletic did a big feature on Mike Evans covering a lot from Evans’ father being murdered when he was young, to being an NFL star and becoming one of the most respected public figures in the Tampa Bay area.
Evans looks back to when he was a young player, admitting he’s not sure he’d be close to the player he became if not for a guy he referred to as his “big brother.” That would be Vincent Jackson.
When Evans was drafted, Jackson was then 31 and in his third season in Tampa Bay and 10th in the NFL. Jackson was one of the game’s top receivers.
Evans? He was a bit rough around the edges. Jackson helped Evans smooth over the rough patches to become a polished receiver and an outstanding member of the community.
“You’re out of college and you don’t have any real structure,” Evans admits now. “You’ve got a little money for the first time and you’re ordering steaks every night. You’re starting to drink a little more. That’s why my weight was so high …”
Evans played at 240 pounds his first few seasons. By Year 3, Jackson’s influence started to take hold. “You need to stay in shape year-round,” he stressed to Evans, “that way you won’t get hurt.” To this day Evans’ offseason training program commences two weeks after his last game, no questions asked.
He dropped to 220. He copied Jackson’s routine. He learned to temper his aggression in practice, then unleash it on game day.
“Vince was helping me with this stuff while I was taking targets from him,” Evans says. “He was my big brother in this league.”
Who would have guessed that it was Evans who put up better numbers than his big brother and should have a bust in Canton?
Evans details where he was and what he was doing when he heard of the death of Jackson. Evans was still buzzing from the Bucs winning the Super Bowl when he learned Jackson was found dead.
Jackson began showing signs of CTE, the scourge of former football players. Against the advice he gave to Evans six years prior, Jackson developed a drinking problem and his life succumbed to Stage 2 chronic traumatic encephalopathy, chronic alcohol abuse.
Jackson’s battles with CTE likely led to his heavy drinking.
Keefer has a touching story he typed that has loads of elements in the story, both shocking and fun.
In the article, Evans addressed retirement. He does not know if this is his final season, something Evans has repeatedly stated in recent months. He is in a contract year.
But Evans did tell Keefer his end of football days are “close.”
September 17th, 2025 at 5:12 am
We should be really good these next three years minimum. No way are we as good without Mike. Irreplaceable. Let’s get him signed for at least the next 2 years after this year. Now is as good a time as any. That would give the whole team another reason to turn it up a notch. Just his being on this team makes us better- in so many ways.
September 17th, 2025 at 5:18 am
‘Close’ could easily mean 2 or 3 more years after this one…..
I believe M1k3 will keep playing as long as he is able to play at the high level he has his whole career. If those on the field abilities start to diminish (and he himself will know when that day comes) – then he would and should consider retiring.
But if the Bucs re-sign Baker and continue to be legit contenders and Mike continues racking up 1000 yard seasons – why wouldn’t Evans keep playing for another 3 or 4 seasons?
TB12 taught Mike how best to take care of his body and extend his career.
Evans really took that to heart and we see the results….. A 32 year old who looks and plays like he’s 27 and still in his ‘prime’….
Lavonte David is still a hell of a player at 35 – Mike Evans probably will be too if he keeps at it.
The Vincent Jackson story is a very sad one regarding the last couple/few years of his life. VJax was such a great person and then mental illness (perhaps caused by CTE) and resulting extreme alcoholism so quickly robbed him of everything he had and was.
September 17th, 2025 at 5:32 am
Excellent story about Mike and Vincent. Vincent leaving us way too soon in life. He did so much for our veterans. Mike and his wife have their own foundation that do so much for children. Wonderful people. I think it’s great that Mike is planning ahead. He is still really fit and like many, I would love to see him on the Bucs three more years. However, it’s he and wife’s decision. Who knows, we could be watching him as a sports analyst in the years to come.
September 17th, 2025 at 6:04 am
Finally,
I’ve been waiting a long time for Vincent Jackson to be honored.
V-Jax was on some terrible teams yet he kept working and played hard.
RIP Vincent Jackson: a true gentleman and warrior.
September 17th, 2025 at 6:33 am
He will take 1 yr deals like lavonte no more multi deals for Mike probably gonna year by year it so he doesn’t screw the team over Mike is a team player that won’t exit like Brady did.
September 17th, 2025 at 6:41 am
How many Super Bowls would the Bucs have if Nickerson and Jackson never showed up? Or showed up and taught the young players a “me first” attitude with their selfishness? I say ZERO.
September 17th, 2025 at 7:26 am
I miss Jackson. He was a tremendous asset to the Bucs team and Tampa.
Hats off to Mike for crediting him. Thanks Joe.
Go Bucs!
September 17th, 2025 at 7:39 am
Vincent Jackson’s story is one of the saddest. This game inflicts cruel injuries.
I love seeing him get the recognition for the important things he did, like mentoring Mike Evans. He was a great man.
Vincent Jackson’s reward was not here.
September 17th, 2025 at 7:44 am
Those guardian caps look funny but if they prevent CTE I’m all for it. God rest V-Jax, he was a great reciever and I was so excited when I found out the Bucs we gonna sign him. Good to hear stories of his leadership
September 17th, 2025 at 8:00 am
I believe that Evans speed like the rest of the receivers in the NFL is in that declining stage.
However, having said that — it is not his speed that has made him excel. It is his go-go gadget arm length that allows him to catch passes no other wide receiver in NFL history could get to.
It is what has made him the most elite red zone receiver, and what will continue his career if he wants to continue to play.
Thank goodness for Mike.
September 17th, 2025 at 8:07 am
The VJax story has a Licht-ter angle. Most fans then (like now) wanted to save the Glazers money against the cap. Cutting or restructuring Jackson was a constant complaint, with posts laying out how his skills were waning.
Lucky stuck with VJax instead of sticking it to the player for two reasons, one honorable and the other business. The Bucs were a dreadful team when Jackson signed here and he worked his tail off and did his best throughout his contract. Honoring the full contract sent a message to agents, particularly the ones representing Swaggy Baker and the like, that the team recognized good character and would pay for it but would cut bad characters immediately. And it told players that if they came to Tampa Bay to work they could count on management to look after them.
Takes on an angle today with the Dean business, doesn’t it?
September 17th, 2025 at 10:24 am
teacherman Says:
September 17th, 2025 at 6:04 am
RIP Vincent Jackson: a true gentleman and warrior.
————-
Beautifully written. Expresses my feelings perfectly. I am so sorry to hear that VJax succumbed to his NFL head injuries. He was a first class quality human being, both on and off the field. ME13 is paying his mentor back perfectly in both areas. Rest In Peace and Power, VJax, from an agnostic NFL fan and admirer.
September 17th, 2025 at 11:32 am
I’m afraid he might call it if he breaks 1000 again this year to avoid the potential risk of suffering his big brother’s fate. If he has all of his faculties in task is it really worth the risk?
September 17th, 2025 at 12:03 pm
Can he keep playing of course. Will he? He knows what happened to Jackson and doesn’t want to end up like him. At some point you’ve made enough and accomplished enough and walking away with your health is more important
September 17th, 2025 at 1:01 pm
Ugh, I forgot that the V-Jax news came right after the SB win… what a shame. Always loved what he brought to this team and very cool to hear just how much of a mentor he truly was to Evans.
Rest in Power, V-Jax.
As for Evans, obviously I hope he plays another 2-3 years. The interesting thing is I don’t think he’s lost much speed or running ability at all. The one area where Father Time seems to be catching up to him is his hands. Those 50/50 balls used to really be more like 80/20 balls when throwing to Mike. But I think now they’re actually 50/50 when he’s against a good physical corner. A minor complaint of course, just calling it like I see it.
One of my all time favorite Bucs without question. I still laugh at the fools like dooosh who have been trying to run Evans out of town for the last 5+ years.
September 17th, 2025 at 1:50 pm
If M1k3 breaks Rice’s record this year and wins a SB, he will ride into the sunset to be with his wife and kid(s). No way he risks any further damage to his future health seeing the way VJax went out. M1k3 will never sign more than a one-year contract. He’s going to do it like LVD.
M1k3 has already established himself as a HOFer and has nothing else to prove or achieve, especially if he breaks Jerry’s record. It’ll be a sad day, but I hope he achieves both goals and retires to his family and the community this year.
September 17th, 2025 at 4:26 pm
Thanks Joe!
We are grateful to see them as part of our team and community.
Btw much respect for all the comments.