There are a lot of things that need to go right in order to make it big in the NFL. You need physical prowess, god-given talent, a disciplined work routine, and of course, a little bit of luck. It’s safe to say that Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans did not have the right mixture of these ingredients. Well, at least not at first.

Evans had a tough childhood. He was born to Mickey Evans and Heather Kilgore. At the time, his mother was just 14 years old, Mike’s father was murdered when he was just 9. What made things worse was that it was his mother’s brother, Sam Kilgore, who killed his dad. Sam took the drastic step in order to protect his sister, whom Mickey used to physically abuse on a regular basis.

Undoubtedly, a rough childhood is what made Mike the man he is today. Like a diamond in the rough, Evans began to learn from his shortcomings and is now one of the top 10 wide receivers in the NFL. But where did it all begin for the Buccaneers speedster?

Analyst Believes Patrick Mahomes ‘Has to Win Super Bowl LV’ to Challenge Tom Brady’s GOAT Status

Mike Evans grabs headlines after a stellar season with Texas A&M in 2013

The Texas-born athlete was making waves during his senior year in high school. Mike Evans played for Ball High School in Galveston, Texas. He also played basketball and participated in track & field events in high school. Watching him gain traction, he was recruited by Texas A&M in the summer of 2011.

Over the next two years, Evans would set multiple records for the Texas A&M Aggies football team. Between 2011 to 2013, Evans had 82 receptions for 1,105 yards and five touchdowns in 2012. He received freshman All-SEC honors from the league’s coaches. He held the Texas A&M record for the most catches. He had 11 receptions for 287 yards and four touchdowns in the 2013 win against Auburn.

🏈 Exclusive Invite for NFL Community

Trending

Exclusive: After Claiming He Can Beat Caitlin Clark 1v1, Iowa’s No.1 NFL Draft Prospect Cooper DeJean Comes Clean

April 25, 2024 03:12 PM EDT

Despite Tom Brady’s Influence, JJ McCarthy Snubs Patriots In Favor of NFC Rivals Thanks to Michigan Connection

April 25, 2024 03:45 PM EDT

2024 NFL Draft: In Eminem’s Presence, Detroit Denied Entry Into NFL History Books as Motor City Fans Stopped Due to Maximum Capacity

April 26, 2024 01:40 AM EDT

Where Is Russell Wilson’s Ex-partner Ashton Meem Now? Everything We Know About Broncos QB’s First Wife

November 20, 2023 04:39 AM EST

NFL Draft: Look Back at Russell Wilson’s Ex-Wife Ashton Meem’s Viral Reaction on 2012 Draft Day After Seattle Seahawks Picked Him in 3rd Round

April 21, 2024 08:58 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Evans later revealed that he would forgo his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility and enter the 2014 NFL Draft. Various outlets predicted that Mike would be picked in the first round itself. He was also ranked the number one wide receiver by Sports Illustrated.

“Tom Brady Does Not Have a Tyreek or Kelce” – Analyst Tips Patrick Mahomes for Super Bowl Repeat

Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft Evans in 2014; Rest is history

On the back of a strong season with Texas A&M, the Buccaneers moved quickly to draft Mike Evans in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft (seventh overall). He was the second wide receiver to be picked after Buffalo Bills drafted Sammy Watkins at number four.

Evans was one pick behind Texas A&M teammate, Jake Matthews. It was the first time that the school had two Top 7 draft picks in the same draft since John Kimbrough and Jim Thomason in 1941. Evans signed a four-year rookie contract worth $14.6 million, with an $8.96 million signing bonus with Tampa Bay.

Since then, he has established himself as one of the most consistent wide receivers in the league. He is a three-time Pro Bowler and holds various franchise records for the Buccaneers. On the back of some stellar displays, the Pirates got Evans to sign a five-year extension worth $82.5 million, with $55 million guaranteed.

Leonard Fournette Claims It’s ‘Good to be a Buc’ After Impressive NFC Championship Victory