Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans has been nominated by the team as their choice for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.

For Evans, it’s his third time being nominated for the award. The impact he has made in the Tampa community and his hometown of Galveston, Texas cannot be quantified. The list of his charitable contributions could fill a page itself. Some of the most notable is committing over $100,000 in relief efforts when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and helping raise over $2.7 million for the World Health Organization.

But it is the silent acts he does that make Evans the man he is. The things he does behind the scenes, when no cameras or social media is watching. Evans just genuinely cares and wants to help people. Recently, he bought lunch for an entire restaurant and posed for pictures and signed autographs. That doesn’t even get into his annual bowling tournament, golf tournament and gala all to raise money for the Mike Evans Family Foundation.

Evans’ Teammates Weigh In

In conjunction with the Bucs, Evans’ teammates are captured on video describing the kind of man he is. From Tom Brady to Donovan Smith and Bruce Arians and Scotty Miller. They share moments of Evans charitable actions and contributions, as well as the type of teammate he is.

Evans reflected on how much of and honor his nomination is and what it means to him.

“It’s an honor to be recognized with the very best in the league for the impact that we make in our communities,” said Evans. “I’m blessed to play football for a living. But the true value of our work comes in how we uplift those in need of support. To be nominated three years in a row, it’s extremely humbling.”

I’ve witnessed firsthand how involved Evans is with charities and fans. During Donovan Smith’s Corn Hole for Autism charity event, Evans elected to sign autographs for every fan in attendance. His love for the fans has made him a superstar in Tampa.

Evans will sport a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal in recognition of his accomplishments. Fans can vote for Evans from December 7 to January 17 on Twitter by using #WPMOYChallenge Evans or #WPMOYChallenge @MikeEvans13_ to support the Mike Evans Family Foundation.