Mike Evans of the Bucs sets a new record in the NFL and earns a $3 million bonus with a catch on the final play of the game.

The Buccaneers clinched the NFC South title and the final playoff spot in the NFC by forcing the Saints to turn over on downs in Week 18, securing their Week 18 win.

As the clock neared zero in the fourth quarter on Sunday, it seemed like quarterback Baker Mayfield would take victory formation and kneel to secure the win. However, he had a different plan in mind.

He desired his preferred NFL player to achieve history and earn $3 million in rewards simultaneously.

It was widely known among Tampa Bay fans that Mike Evans needed to make five catches and gain 85 yards during the game in order to receive a $3 million bonus.

Evans would make NFL history by starting their career with 11 1,000-yard seasons, tying Jerry Rice's all-time record of 11 consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards.

At the conclusion of the game, Evans had eight catches but only 80 yards. He was five catches away from breaking the NFL record and earning an additional payment.

Mayfield quickly threw to his left, resulting in Evans picking up nine yards and finishing with nine catches for 89 yards, hitting the mark.

Jalen McMillan immediately ran over to Evans to celebrate as the entire Raymond James Stadium crowd freaked out, knowing Evans got what everyone wanted to see. The rest of Evans’ Bucs teammates ran over to congratulate him as he walked off the field.

"I was hoping we'd get a stop because I can't pass up history," Evans said after the game, according to Yahoo Sports. "Coach Bowles didn't want to let it pass up or [offensive coordinator Liam Coen]. I'm happy that they had me go out there and get that, because this has been hard to do for 11 straight years, and to be tied with one of [the greatest, if not the greatest, receiver] of all time means a lot to me."

Mayfield stated, "We came up with the plan, and Mike executed it. He deserves recognition for his contributions. This individual has been valuable to the community, team, and organization for many years. It's incredible that he has achieved this feat 11 years in a row and tied Jerry Rice's record."

In his 11th NFL season, all with the Bucs, Evans accumulated 1,004 receiving yards, which contributed to the team's playoff appearance as the No. 4 seed in the NFC.

Evans will receive a $666,666 bonus for finishing among the top 10 wide receivers in NFL touchdowns.

The Bucs, having won the NFC South for four straight seasons, will face the loser of the Lions-Vikings game on Sunday and secure the No. 5 seed.

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