Mike Evans Vows Maturity in Ongoing Rivalry with Marshon Lattimore

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has reflected on his long-standing and often contentious rivalry with New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore, acknowledging that he has learned valuable lessons from their past confrontations. Evans has faced significant consequences for his actions, including more than $100,000 in fines, an ejection, and two single-game suspensions. Additionally, he has been banned for life from a New Orleans barbecue restaurant due to these incidents.

Despite the history of altercations, Evans expressed a commitment to maintaining his composure and focusing on the game. “Long as, you know, it’s within the play,” Evans stated. “I’ve done a bad job in the past of making it go over the play when I shouldn’t have. But I’m more mature now and our team is focused on playing winning ball, and you can’t play winning ball when you get kicked out and things like that.”.

The rivalry between Evans and Lattimore has been one of the most notable in the NFL, often drawing comparisons to legendary feuds like Ali-Frazier or Tonya Harding vs. Nancy Kerrigan. Evans, now in his 11th year, remains a key offensive weapon for the Buccaneers, while Lattimore, despite some decline due to injuries, continues to be a formidable opponent.

Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has also weighed in on the rivalry, expressing a desire for the intensity to remain but within the bounds of the game. “I don’t want anything held back,” Mayfield said, highlighting the importance of this matchup for both teams.

Evans emphasized the need to balance his passion and physicality with smart play, recognizing that his team’s success depends on it. “But I definitely want to have that fire and be physical and a little chirping never hurts. But you definitely have got to be smart,” he added.