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Bucs' Godwin thought Evans' exit news was AI

ESPN · Jun 2, 2026, 10:12 PM

Key takeaways

  • I was like, 'Yo, is this for real?' And he was like, 'Sad face [emoji]."
  • Evans and Godwin played together for nine seasons in Tampa, with Evans serving as a mentor to the 2017 third-round draft pick -- the first year of Evans' captaincy.
  • Chris Godwin says it's "going to be difficult" without Mike Evans but he's confident about the young receivers behind him on the Buccaneers' roster.

Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.

So I didn't really believe it. And then I texted Bake. I was like, 'Yo, is this for real?' And he was like, 'Sad face [emoji]."

Evans and Godwin played together for nine seasons in Tampa, with Evans serving as a mentor to the 2017 third-round draft pick -- the first year of Evans' captaincy. They sit 1-2 in the franchise's record book for receiving yards, receptions and receiving touchdowns. Evans is also the franchise's all-time leading scorer.

Chris Godwin says it's "going to be difficult" without Mike Evans but he's confident about the young receivers behind him on the Buccaneers' roster. Julio Aguilar/Getty Images"I think it's part of the game, unfortunately," Godwin said of Evans leaving. "Mike is -- I mean, we all know what Mike has been to this community and this organization. That's my brother and I wish him the best and his time in San Fran. I'm sure that they know what kind of player that they're getting."

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