TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers' star wide receiver Mike Evans is on the brink of making NFL history. With 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, Evans has matched the record set by Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Now, with Rice's blessing, Evans is poised to break the record in the 2025 season.

Evans, a six-time Pro Bowler, has faced challenges, including a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three games last season. Despite this, he managed to reach the 1,000-yard mark on the final play of the season. "Hopefully I can do it ... early," Evans said with a smile.

Rice, who has held the record since 1996, expressed his support for Evans in a feature by The Players' Tribune. "You know that I'm pulling for you right?" Rice told Evans. Evans responded, "That means more to me than you could ever know, so I appreciate that, O.G. You are the original."

The two NFL legends met for an extensive conversation, discussing the nuances of route running and the post-corner route, which Evans credits Rice for perfecting. "You got to be able to sell routes," Rice advised. "You got to make the opponent believe your first cut is really where you're going to get the ball."

Evans, who turns 32 in August, is entering the final year of his contract. While he hasn't indicated how much longer he plans to play, his focus remains on having a great season. "I honestly haven't even thought about [the future]," Evans said. "I just thought about having a great year this year, and we'll see what happens."

As Evans prepares to make history, the NFL world watches with anticipation. Will he break Rice's record and cement his legacy as one of the greatest receivers of all time? Only time will tell.