How many truly bad games can you recall from Mike Evans? The Buccaneers star has been a picture of consistency since Day 1 and is now in his 12th NFL season. In fact, very few players in this era of football can boast the kind of production and durability Evans has shown. Meanwhile, the reality of Evans’ career nearing its end hit during his media session this past Thursday.

The Bucs are about to head into Houston, where Evans will face the Texans—a trip back home. Born and raised in Galveston, Texas, Evans first made a name for himself at Ball High School before playing college ball at Texas A&M. Now at 32, the visit carries extra weight. For a hometown hero, there’s no such thing as just another game.

And this could be his last trip to Texas. “Yeah, it’s always fun going back to Texas. I mean, it might be even if I played another what, three, four years. I mean, when was the next time we go back? So it’s probably might be my last time,” he told reporters during the press conference following Thursday’s practice. “So I got a lot of people coming to this game for that sole reason.”

While Evans feels confident that he can carry on for another 2-3 years, he also told Kay Adams last month that “Retirement at the end of the season isn’t off the table.” That’s when his contract with the Buccaneers comes to an end. And if he does choose to hang up his cleats following that, the Texas native will be remembered for his unwavering loyalty to Tampa Bay, and, of course, his consistency.

Despite not always grabbing the spotlight, Evans’ numbers speak for themselves. Just last season, he matched Jerry Rice for most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons (11). And that could be broken this season itself. That steady production speaks volumes about his skill, work ethic, and ability to perform year after year.

Above all, Evans holds the franchise record for touchdown catches with 105 and boasts six seasons with double-digit receiving TDs. Few modern-era receivers have matched his consistency. But here’s a twist: as much as this trip to the Texans stirred retirement speculation, it also opened the door to something else—an unfinished business that still drives him.

Mike Evans wants redemption after heartbreaking Texans loss 2 years ago

This week’s trip to Houston marks a big moment for Mike Evans and the Bucs. Back in November 2023, the two teams met at NRG Stadium, and the result still stings for Evans. “It was like a bittersweet moment, I thought we had the game won in Houston. I’m seeing all the 13 jerseys, I’m seeing some of my family in the crowd. I’m about to win this game and then I broke my heart. And I’m usually like, especially at the end of my career, I’ll always feel a little more composed, I was pissed. I was hurting, man, it hurt. It’s one of the worst losses I’ve had in my career. Hopefully, it’ll get better, hopefully it’ll get better,” he said, showing just how much that defeat cut deep.

Indeed, the game had started poorly for the Texans, fumbling on their first possession. But they managed to hold Tampa Bay to only a 35-yard field goal at first. Then Houston came alive with a 75-yard drive capped by a 14-yard TD from C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins. Still, the Bucs responded strongly, scoring twice more to lead 17-7. The Texans trimmed the gap to 17-10 before halftime, leaving the first half with little fireworks.

Then, the second half shifted the momentum. The Bucs kicked a field goal to make it 20-10, but Stroud quickly connected on a huge 75-yard TD pass to Neal Brown, cutting the lead to 20-16. Houston kept pushing, with Stroud hitting Tank Dell for a 29-yard touchdown. Finally, Stroud found Schultz on a 9-yard TD and nailed the two-point conversion, giving Houston the 30-23 edge.

However, the Bucs didn’t back down. A White 1-yard TD, and the subsequent extra point tied it at 30-30. The Texans then edged ahead with a clutch 29-yard field goal. Later, with just 46 seconds left on the clock, the Bucs took a 37-33 lead, but then Stroud found Dell with a 15-yard TD as Houston just knelt to run down the remaining 10 seconds. The final score: 37-39 in Houston’s favor. Clearly, Evans isn’t ready to let that story end like this. He wants redemption.