Mike Evans Changes Jersey Number to 5 with 49ers After Leaving Buccaneers

Mike Evans is switching from his famous number 13 with the Buccaneers to number 5 with the 49ers. This is the first time he will wear number 5 since high school.
By Newsroom | Sports, NFL |

Mike Evans, the veteran wide receiver newly signed by the San Francisco 49ers, appears set to don the number 5 for his tenure with the team. This decision marks a departure from the number 13 that has become intrinsically linked with his identity throughout his twelve seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The switch to No. 5 is a nod to Evans' high school days at Ball High School in Galveston, Texas. Retail jerseys already reflect this change, moving from placeholder double-zeros to his new selection. This transition also signifies a broader change, as Evans leaves behind a storied career in Tampa Bay.

Mike Evans reveals which number he'll wear for 49ers - 1

The absence of his signature No. 13 is necessitated by its current occupation by 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, whose own affinity for the number stems from a connection to Dan Marino. While alternative suggestions, such as dropping a digit to wear No. 1 or No. 3, were floated, the chosen number brings Evans back to an earlier chapter of his football journey. The number 5 was also most recently worn by Demarcus Robinson for the 49ers.

Read More: Arch Manning says he is 100% recovered from foot surgery for next season

Evans' career in Tampa Bay established him as the greatest wide receiver in franchise history, holding team records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. He amassed 13,052 receiving yards and 108 touchdowns, placing him second among active NFL players in receiving yards and tenth all-time in receiving touchdowns. His streak of eleven consecutive seasons with 1,000-or-more receiving yards (2014-2024) is the longest to begin an NFL career. Evans' accolades include two Second-Team All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowl appearances.

The decision to join the 49ers was reportedly influenced by Purdy, who is cited as one of the reasons for Evans' move. Despite the number change, Evans brings a proven record of consistent production and red-zone capability, seen as a significant addition for a 49ers team with championship aspirations.

Read More: Mel Kiper Jr. Final Mock Draft Predicts Seahawks Will Pick RB Jadarian Price

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Mike Evans changing his jersey number to 5 with the 49ers?
Mike Evans is changing his jersey number to 5 to honor his high school days at Ball High School. He previously wore number 13 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for twelve seasons.
Q: Why can't Mike Evans wear number 13 with the 49ers?
Quarterback Brock Purdy currently wears number 13 for the 49ers. Purdy's connection to the number is linked to Dan Marino.
Q: What does Mike Evans bring to the 49ers?
Mike Evans brings a proven record of production and red-zone ability. He holds Buccaneers team records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, with eleven consecutive seasons of 1,000+ receiving yards.
Q: Who influenced Mike Evans to join the 49ers?
Quarterback Brock Purdy was reportedly one of the reasons that influenced Mike Evans to join the 49ers.
Q: What are Mike Evans' career stats from his time with the Buccaneers?
During his twelve seasons with the Buccaneers, Mike Evans had 13,052 receiving yards and 108 touchdowns. He also had a streak of eleven consecutive seasons with 1,000-or-more receiving yards.