⁠The NFL is not known for too much humanity. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers make an impressive exception for Mike Evans in week 18. It may be the most beautiful moment of the season. A commentary.

It’s actually a no-brainer what to do in such a situation. Certainly not at this moment, when the outcome of an entire season is at stake.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had victory in the bag after a show of strength against the New Orleans Saints in Week 18. The division title and with it the playoffs were in the bag, quarterback Baker Mayfield just had to go down on one knee.

It would have been the normal end to a game, like they play week in and week out. Kneel down, time runs out, game over.

But the Bucs had a different idea. Because something else was at stake. Something historic.

Wide receiver Mike Evans had 80 receiving yards at that point. The problem was that this meant he was a mere five yards short of the 11th 1,000-yard season in a row. Only legend Jerry Rice had managed that before.

So it wasn’t just about some arbitrary record. It’s a record that is an expression of the unique consistency that has characterized Evans’ entire career at the age of 31.

Bucs act against all NFL laws

Normally, there is no room for such thinking in the NFL. Not when so much could be at stake. The success of the entire organization is more important than the feelings of the individual player. It’s not for nothing that “hire and fire” and “next man up” are the defining concepts of the league.

But the Buccaneers decided otherwise. They didn’t just go down on one knee and leave Evans out in the cold. They tried the pass play – and were rewarded. Nine yards up, the record was there. And the stadium erupted.

It was a goosebump moment to see the joy on Evans’ and his teammates’ faces. “It’s hard to make it 11 years in a row. Now, to be on par with one of, if not the greatest receiver of all time, means a lot to me and my family,” said Evans.

THE CELEBRATION FOR MIKE EVANS. CHILLS. pic.twitter.com/YNc0gAHoZD

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025

There is a reason why teams no longer dare to play in such game situations. Because mistakes can always happen. What if Mayfield’s pass had been intercepted and returned?

Tampa Bay helps Mike Evans and earns great respect

At this point, no one could have known that the Atlanta Falcons would also lose their parallel game. In the worst case, the attempt to help Evans set the record could have ended in defeat and missing the playoffs. And Head Coach Todd Bowles would probably have lost his job.

The fact that the Bucs put humanity before business in this case therefore deserves great respect. And in its entirety, it is arguably the moment of the season.

With all the touchdowns, returns, trick plays – this message is bigger than anything else.

Or as Bowles said: “He earned it. He’s done everything for this organization and this team.” True words, which the coach backed up with action. And with which he gave a legend the recognition she deserves.