Mike Evans' Wife Shares Emotional Farewell to Tampa After 49ers Signing

The San Francisco 49ers officially signed Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year contract on Thursday. The deal, worth up to $60.4 million, marks the end of his 12-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Evans, who was drafted seventh overall by Tampa Bay in 2014, leaves as one of the team’s most decorated offensive players. He holds the Buccaneers’ records for receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, with 866 catches, 13,052 yards, and 108 touchdowns.

The veteran wide receiver played a key role in the team’s victory in Super Bowl LV. He also earned four Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominations for his community contributions in Tampa.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Evans’ move to San Francisco is a big change for him and his family. He and his family have lived in Tampa since the start of his NFL journey.

After Evans’ move to the 49ers, his wife, Ashli Dotson Evans, said goodbye to the city. She shared her appreciation for their longtime home on Instagram.

“Grateful for all the memories this city gave to our family! I will forever cherish this chapter of life ❤️❤️ thank you Tampa,” she wrote.

The NFL veteran commented on his wife’s post, saying, “Great Memories Great Ride 🙏🏽✊🏽.”

Evans and his wife have been married since 2016 after meeting in college in Texas. The couple shares three children: daughters Ariah Lynn and Aliyah Nicole and son Amari Thomas. Evans also has an older daughter, Mackenzie, from a previous relationship.

Evans and his wife founded the Mike Evans Family Foundation in 2017. Since then, the family has been active in the city, supporting students and domestic violence victims through their foundation.

The 32-year-old wide receiver chose to leave after becoming a free agent. He turned down a more lucrative offer from the Buccaneers to sign with San Francisco.

Evans expressed his desire for a new challenge and sees the 49ers as a team that “always competes.” He believes he could be the “missing piece” to help San Francisco win another Super Bowl.

The star receiver became the only NFL player to start his career with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. The achievement tied him with Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. He also earned All-Pro honors twice and made six Pro Bowls.

The 2025 season was difficult for Evans, as injuries hampered his production. Appearing in only eight games, he finished with 30 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns, ending his 1,000-yard streak. Despite this, his legacy with the Buccaneers remains etched in stone.

While Evans’ departure closes a chapter in Tampa Bay, San Francisco gains a veteran playmaker for its Super Bowl hopes. All eyes are on him now as he adapts to the team’s roster and system.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Mike Evans’ Wife Shares Emotional Farewell to Tampa After 49ers Signing

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