As you might guess, I listen to a few football-related podcasts. And, as you might guess, sometimes I agree with the hosts’ takes, and sometimes I disagree. This past week, I heard a take I so wholeheartedly disagreed with that I started yelling at the car stereo.
When talking about Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver Mike Evans, the host said (paraphrasing), “He’s a second ballot hall of famer.” Wait…what?
Full transparency (in case you haven’t ready my About page): I am a Buccaneers fan. Through and through. Every year in the office Pigskin Pick ‘em, I never pick against the Bucs. No matter who they’re playing. No matter who is injured. No matter what, I always pick Tampa Bay to win. That being said, I don’t believe my position on this is overly rose-colored by my allegiance to the Krewe.
Granted, it is difficult for a wide receiver to get in, first ballot. There have only ever been seven. Whatever the reasons for that, the HOF voters have shied away from giving this distinction to the position. However, Evans’ amazing career in Tampa Bay warrants the honor of being a first ballot hall of famer.
Let’s start with some basic stats for Evans and the last three WRs to go in on the first ballot…
| Player | Career Rec. | Career Yds | Career TDs | Super Bowls |
| Mike Evans | 861 | 12,987 | 107 | 1 |
| Randy Moss | 982 | 15,292 | 156 | 0 |
| Calvin Johnson | 731 | 11,619 | 83 | 0 |
| Jerry Rice | 1,549 | 22,895 | 197 | 3 |
Evans has already surpassed first ballot HOFer, Megatron, in these key career stats. Had it not been for the injuries plaguing his last two campaigns, he could be challenging Moss in receptions and yards categories. And, he has a Super Bowl victory on his resume.
Not enough? How about this? It has been widely discussed that Evans finished the 2024 season by tying Jerry Rice’s record for 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. A feat in and of itself. However, Evans’ streak started his rookie year. This means he holds the record for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start a career. He almost doubled up the previous record of six held by…wait for it…first ballot hall of famer, Randy Moss.
So, second ballot hall of famer? I don’t think so. Whenever M1K3 decides its time to hang up the cleats, mark it on your calendar – 5 years to Canton.
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