Mike Evans has built a reputation in the NFL as one of the most consistent and explosive wide receivers of his generation. But off the field, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers superstar is quietly building something even more meaningful: a legacy of community impact. 

Through the Mike Evans Family Foundation, Evans and his wife, Ashli, have spent the last several years turning personal experiences, family values, and their growing platform into hands-on philanthropic work across Florida and Texas.

The Mike Evans Family Foundation: A Mission Rooted in Personal Experience

Founded in December 2017, the Mike Evans Family Foundation was created with a three-part mission- to empower youth, expand access to education, and support individuals affected by domestic violence. He notes, “I wanted to start a foundation for a while now, and we are finally getting it done. We are focusing on helping kids who do not have the funds to go to college – kids that come from low-income families that worked really hard to apply for college and got in, but need financial assistance.”

The official website further mentions, “If I wouldn’t have had a scholarship to go college, then I probably wouldn’t have went or I’d probably be in debt if I did, so I wanted to help as much as possible in that aspect.”

Clearly, this venture’s vision is deeply connected to Evans’ personal journey, as he further reveals, “Secondly, I want to focus on women and families that suffer from domestic violence because I grew up in a household with domestic violence and I know how hard that can be.” 

While the foundation’s reach continues to grow, Evans remains grounded in the values that inspired him to start it in the first place. And for many families across multiple partnered communities, that mission translates into real outcomes

Creating Lasting Change Beyond Football

One of the foundation’s most far-reaching initiatives is its annual scholarship program. Each year, the organization awards multiple college scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate financial need, perseverance, and academic ambition. In 2024, the foundation awarded $150,000 in scholarships to 13 deserving students, making it one of its largest education-focused contributions to date.

Beyond academic support, the foundation’s seasonal programs have become cornerstones of its community outreach. One of the most beloved is “Catch for Christmas,” an annual holiday initiative where Evans and his team host families and children for a day of gifts, meals, and celebration. Throughout the year, the foundation also organizes youth camps, school supply drives, and collaborations with local shelters and community organizations. 

In 2024, Mike Evans was nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, one of the league’s highest honors for character and community service. The nomination highlighted both his long-standing consistency on the field and the growing influence of his charitable efforts off it.

In a league filled with stars, Evans is proving that true greatness isn’t just measured in touchdowns, but in lives transformed along the way.

Written by

Mrigank Badola