TAMPA — Mike Evans has been the Bucs’ best player and an even better person in the community since arriving in Tampa Bay as a rookie in 2014.On Thursday, he was rewarded for those efforts by becoming the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, one that recognizes a player for outstanding community service activities off the field as well as their play on the field.“Being nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year is overwhelming ― it’s a big deal,” Evans said. “I never thought I could be a nominee. To be in the same conversation as other players who do tremendous things in their community, I’m truly honored.”Evans, the first-round pick of the Bucs out of Texas A&M in 2014, has spent the past six seasons giving back to his communities in Galveston, Texas, and Tampa Bay.Two years ago, he began the Mike Evans Family Foundation to support educational development and assist students from low-income families. The foundation also supports women and families impacted by domestic violence.On Monday, Evans recognized scholar-students from low-income families in his Catch for Christmas event that included a bowling fundraiser. He also surprised 13 kids with breakfast, a tour of the facility and gifts from their wish list.Earlier this year, he presented a $40,000 check to Texas A&M to establish scholarships for 10 students through the financial aide office. He also donated $25,000 to USF to start a scholarship fund for local students needing financial assistance.
![Rick Stroud - Bucs Reporter](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 50 50"/%3E "Rick Stroud - Bucs Reporter")