TAMPA, Fla. – It was week seven and Tampa Bay Buccaneers took upon themselves Detroit Lions during “Monday Night Football” when it happened. Wide Receiver Mike Evansthe franchise's leading scorer, was left motionless on the Ford Field turf after a violent collision with a defender. Rock Ya-Sin.
Everyone knew it, and soon Evans knew it too, when he regained consciousness and felt the searing blow of his broken collarbone, his eyes filled with tears. His quest for a record 12th straight 1,000-yard receiving season will likely end, ending his chances of breaking a tie with Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice.
It may also have been the end of a once-promising 2025 season for the Bucs, who were vying for first place in the NFC at the time with a 5-2 record. Now heading into Week 18, the Bucs (7-9) have lost seven of their last eight and their playoff fate will be partially decided on Saturday (4:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN) when they spend Carolina Panthers (8-8) at Raymond James Stadium. Not only will the Bucs need to beat the Panthers, but they will also need New Orleans Saints win Atlanta Falcons on Sunday to win the division.
On that cold October night in Detroit, linebacker David Lavonte was there to pick up Evans. The 12-year captain and 14-year veteran quietly prayed for Evans, forced their “brother” to his feet and helped him to the sideline.
“He meant everything to me personally because he wasn't just a captain, a quarterback, an on-field coach and a playmaker — he was a rock that has been here since I've been here for seven years now,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles said of David, adding that he “always shows up,” not just in big-game form, but in who he is as a person. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player do that on defense that I’ve probably ever coached. [with] the way he goes about his business, the way he carries himself and the way he leads his team. When [he is no longer playing for the Bucs]It will be a heartbreaking moment at the time.”
David, who turns 36 this month, and Evans, 32, know football's next downfall is not in sight. They're completely focused on this season and what's at stake, but could this be the end for two of the most iconic players in franchise history? There have already been rumors about whether this will be the final season for each player, but even so, they are both expected to become free agents at the end of the season.
Evans, who is now in Year 12, said David meant “everything” to him and their team.
“He's an absolute leader,” Evans said. “He's the best leader I've ever been with… One of my favorites of all time, maybe my favorite, with [wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr.].
“I spent most of my time with him… Lavonte and I have a very good relationship, probably the best relationship I've had with one player. Just because we've been through it. [so much]”
A second-round pick out of Nebraska and whose career began at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas, it took David nine seasons before he tasted the postseason. Evans, the seventh overall pick in the 2014 draft, needed seven.
“It's just an opportunity that we have to take advantage of, man,” David told ESPN. “Keep getting opportunity after opportunity. We just need to be able to hone it and take advantage of it.”
Evans had a special moment in last season's finale against the Panthers, eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards for the season in the final game and tying Rice. Now David can also get his chance in the regular season finale. David needs six tackles to tie the first ballot. Pro Football Hall of Famer and mentor Derrick Brooks has the most tackles in franchise history (1,714).
“I will definitely be humbled and blessed,” David said. “Obviously I never dreamed of being there with D.B. – how much he impacted football, the game of football, how he impacted the organization and how he impacted the community… I'm grateful that I can be mentioned in the same breath.”
David emphasized that the focus this week is on beating Carolina, with personal accolades coming second. The same goes for talking about retirement. He has not yet decided whether this will be his last season.
“I want to win football games now,” David said. “We still have the opportunity to make the playoffs and I want to make sure of that. I know it's a record, winning the NFC South five years in a row is a huge accomplishment, so I want to get it done.”
“Obviously my career started here and my career started here and to be able to finish it or go all the way to the end would certainly be a great feat. But I didn't think much about my future. The only future I can think about is beating Carolina and making the playoffs.”
David already holds franchise records for forced fumbles (33; Brooks is second with 25), fumble recoveries (20; Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Ronde Barber is second with 11) and tackles for loss (177). David has 41.5 career sacks, 32 forced fumbles and 14 interceptions, while Hall of Famer Julius Peppers is the only player since 2000 with at least 40 sacks, 30 forced fumbles and 10 interceptions.
Evans, of course, wants his brother to reach a new milestone, just as much as he wants another playoff appearance.
“He’s obviously extremely talented,” Evans said. “His habits, his love for the game, his passion – he should definitely be in the Hall of Fame. He'll get it.” [Bucs' record]. He deserves it more than anything. The Bucs are known for their defense. Like [my franchise record] it was a little easier. It was hard to do, but it got a little easier. The Bucs weren't known for their offense or their passing game. Lavonte is chasing first-ballot Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks. And he does it.”
Going back to that scary moment in Week 7, David sent Evans and his team a message that just shows what kind of teammate he has been for the Tampa Bay franchise.
“It was definitely heartbreaking,” David told ESPN. “Just watching him grow and become the person he is, be the football player he is – there was no doubt in my mind that I would be there with him… I know how excited he was to be back for that game. [after missing the three previous ones with a hamstring injury].
“I just try to be that way for these guys. I always try to be that extra voice they need to hear. I always try to be that extra strength that they need. Whatever it takes, man, I just want them to know I'm here.”
