San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (5) makes a catch as Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) tries to stop him during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Stephen Brashear/AP Photo/Stephen Brashear
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans reacts after catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Brock Purdy during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
SEATTLE — As MGMT’s “Electric Feel” pulsated in the visitor’s locker room at Lumen Field on Sunday, the right side of the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive line, guard Dominick Puni and tackle Colton McKivitz, sipped celebratory Bud Lights and sounded like fans as they discussed their teammate who was getting dressed about 15 feet away.
Puni and McKivitz combined to refer to the object of their awe — Mike Evans — by name on six occasions. And each time they used his full name: Mike Evans. Never “Mike.” Not just “Evans.”
Article continues below this ad
“Because he’s a grown man,” McKivitz said, smiling. “He deserves respect. He’s Mike Evans.”
Explained Puni: “It’s because we all know how long he’s dominated the NFL. And he’s still doing it. I mean, so, yeah, it’s because he’s Mike Evans.”
Some legendary athletes achieve one-name status — Tiger, Ali, Steph, Shaq — and there are those such as, well, Mike Evans, a six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who didn’t seem to sweat Sunday as he casually took over late in a rollicking 32-29 win over the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks while, oh by the way, playing with broken ribs.
Evans, 33, had seven catches for 113 yards with a touchdown, and was at his best late in the third quarter when the 49ers had squandered an eight-point halftime lead and were beginning to look beaten. Trailing 26-21, they were 74 yards away from a touchdown and were facing the NFL’s top-ranked defense.
Article continues below this ad
Adding to the degree of difficulty: Flu-ridden tight end George Kittle (26 yards) was a rumor because he felt like “s—”, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan, and the 49ers began the drive with three healthy receivers: Evans, Jordan Watkins (four career catches) and past-his-prime Brandin Cooks, 33, who was recently elevated from the practice squad.
Given the circumstances, did Purdy have any doubt about who he planned to target?
“I think the way Kyle called the drive there,” Purdy said, “would sort of answer your question.”
First, on first-and-20, after the drive started with an offensive pass interference penalty, Purdy found Evans for 15 yards. Then, in another jam — 3rd-and-10 from Seattle’s 49 — Evans snagged a 23-yarder over the middle as Pro Bowl safety Julian Love fell at his feet. Finally, on 2nd-and-21 from Seattle’s 37, Evans, 6-foot-5 and 231 pounds, twisted his body away from cornerback Josh Jobe and snagged a 28-yarder along the right sideline.
“Just three quick beats for (66 yards),” McKivitz said. “No big deal.”
Article continues below this ad
Two plays after Evans’ 28-yard catch, Purdy found Cooks for a 7-yard touchdown and, fittingly, capped the possession by locating Evans for the two-point conversion that provided a 29-26 lead with 11:02 left.
After quieting the Lumen Field din, Evans walked into a small room in the bowels of stadium and spoke in a voice that couldn’t be heard over loud air conditioning.
“I do feel like I’m one of the best receivers in the game, hurt or not,” Evans said. “I mean I’m out there and everybody’s playing through injuries. I’ve got a big frame. So if you throw it around me, I’m going to do my best to try to make those contested grabs.”
Evans is known as an anti-diva wide receiver. Terming himself one of the best at his position is a fact: He’s tied for ninth in NFL history in receiving touchdowns (111), ranks 18th in receiving yards (13,378) and is one of two players with 11 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
No, Evans isn’t known for bragging. Instead, he’s known for not saying much. Since signing with the 49ers in March, he’s spent much of his time when he’s in the locker room playing cards with left tackle Trent Williams. Puni termed Evans one of the “most humble people I’ve ever met.”
Article continues below this ad
“He doesn’t really say anything,” linebacker Fred Warner said. “He just shows up every week, works and goes out there on Sunday and just dominates you.”
Asked how he would describe Evans’ confident, cool presence, Warner smiled.
“Just amazing,” Warner said. “Just an aura. A walking aura. I can’t help it: I’m on the sideline watching him do crazy stuff and I’m like, ‘We have Mike Evans.’”
In keeping with his personality, Evans didn’t really need to speak to silence trash-talking cornerback Trevon Diggs in the second quarter after Diggs began barking at Evans once they blocked each other on a running play. As Diggs followed Evans back to the huddle, Evans grabbed Diggs by the shoulder pads and turned him around to get a look at the name on the back of his jersey. The message: Who are you?
“I didn’t know that was him at first,” Evans said. “Because I played against him a few times, and we’d always been cool — he was a good player. And I honestly didn’t know it was him because in the helmet it’s hard to tell sometimes. … And then I’m like, ‘Who are you? ’ And I look to make sure, and I’m like, ‘Oh that’s f—ing Diggs.’”
Article continues below this ad
Diggs, 28, was a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 and ’22, but he was waived by the Cowboys in December, released by the Seahawks on Aug. 30 and had spent the season on their practice squad before he was moved to the active roster Saturday.
That is, he used to be Trevon Diggs. On Sunday, he met his match in the calm, clutch wide receiver who remains Mike Evans, who was asked why his teammates refer to him by his full name.
“I think it’s because I used to do that to people and it came back to me,” Evans said. “When I first got in the league, I would call people by their full name, and I think it’s just karma. I don’t know. But I’m Mike Evans. That’s my name.”
With that, Evans left the lectern and walked to the exit as running back Christian McCaffrey entered the room to speak with reporters. They shared a fist bump as they passed, and McCaffrey looked to his audience before fielding the first question.
Like Puni and McKivitz, and even All-Pro players like McCaffrey who could be Canton-bound but haven’t achieved full-name status, he was in awe.
“That guy,” he said, “is unbelievable.”
Instant reaction: Tell us your thoughts on the 49ers’ win over the Seahawks
Most RecentTop Responses
Peter G
Salinas, CA
10/11/26
Lenor is going to kill this team, he plays off of receivers too far and keep up with virtually all of them. I said it last year and see no improvement.
Jsck T
Long Beach, CA
10/11/26
When a team turns the ball over 4 times and is still at the end in a position to win is a good team and I would suggest better than the Niners. Hate to say it since I have been a 49er fan but when they meet the next time not so sure where I would place my bet.
All of the Chron’s sportswriters picked Seattle in this one. Much as I love you all, I am delighted that you were all WRONG!
Kevin W
San Francisco, CA
10/11/26
Does anyone know how severe Debo’s injury is?
David D
Walnut Creek, CA
10/11/26
I think this was a character win. The 49ers survived turnovers, an ejection, a very loud and hostile crowd, and a very tough Seattle team, then closed the game with calm and tough defense. I’m thinking at this stage of the season this team can handle anything.
See More Responses