“He’s a Great One”: Mike Evans Receives Compliment From Wayne Gretzky on Buccaneers’ Signing

Mike Evans‘s happiness just got doubled! The wide receiver returns to Tampa Bay after signing a two-year, $52 million contract. Since being drafted in 2014, Evans has been with the Buccaneers for all ten years of his NFL career. Amidst the scenes of his return, the general manager Jason Licht announced the decision, and an unexpected tale came to light to surrounding the same!

Licht narrated an interesting anecdote during his press conference. The GM revealed that the first person to hear Evans’ re-signing news was not someone from the NFL sphere. Rather it was the Ice-Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, who also had a special compliment for the wide receiver.

Wayne Gretzky showers Mike Evans with a great compliment

Licht was at a charity event on March 2 hosted by Jon Cooper, the ice hockey head coach of Tampa Bay’s NHL team. Unbeknownst to the GM, he was drinking with one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time, Wayne Gretzky. In Licht’s words, “I was standing at the bar talking to Wayne Gretzky without knowing I was talking to Wayne Gretzky.”

Licht had to excuse himself from the conversation when he got the call from Mike Greenberg, the assistant GM of the Bucs. Here, he got the news about the team and Evans reaching common grounds on the contract, which left him elated. As he returned with renewed energy on hearing the good news, Licht shared it with “The Great One.” In reply, Gretzky assigned his nickname to Evans, commenting, “He’s a great one.”

Evans also heard his GM’s story and was amazed that the ice hockey legend knew about him. “That was crazy,” Evans said. “I said, ‘Damn, Wayne Gretzky knows who I am?’” While the compliment hosts major attention at the moment, eyes still remain on Evans’ return to the Bucs and the force behind this decision of his.

How Mike Evans’ wife convinced him to stay in Tampa Bay

Before the big announcement, rumors were out that Evans might test the free-agency waters. While the wide receiver was in two minds about the decision, his wife Ashli helped him choose his previous home. During one of their dinners, Evans said Ashli simply quipped, “Maybe we should stay in Tampa, babe,” as per the Tampa Bay Times.

Evans further explained that while he even himself wanted to stay in Tampa, and was satisfied with the salary being offered, the WR also did not mind taking a look at the bigger picture. While he expressed that he can play with whoever is a QB, Evans still wishes Mayflied to return.

Read This: “Hopefully, We Get Him Back”: Mike Evans Makes a Wish for Baker Mayfield’s Return to Buccaneers

Mike Evans has cemented his position in the NFL as one of the best wide receivers in this era. He’s played three seasons with the legend Tom Brady and tied with Tyreek Hill for the highest touchdown receptions, 13 in the last season.  With his return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he gears up for his 11th season in the league with renewed energy and enthusiasm.