Mike Evans brings unwavering enthusiasm to his youth football camp

GALVESTON

Saturday marked the eighth time Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans has led his annual free youth football camp in his hometown of Galveston, but the passage of time hasn’t at all dimmed his sunny outlook on it.

“It’s something I always look forward to; it’s one of the best parts of my year and my family’s year,” Evans said.

Soon to be entering his 12th NFL season, Evans started the camp in 2016, and just as consistency has been a hallmark — claiming the record for most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to start a career at 11 and counting — for the future Hall of Famer’s career, it has been that, too, for his continued dedication to this event.

“This is what I’ve always wanted to do,” Evans said. “The Casey Hampton camp is something I’ll never forget, and it’s something I dreamed of one day being able to put on. So, to be able to do it is a joy for me and my family.”

As has become the standard operating procedure, the camp was held at Ball High’s Spoor Field from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, and featured a variety of football training drill stations manned by Evans and Ball High coaches, which became active following photo opportunities, as well as opening remarks from Evans and some of the local sponsors and community members who helped make the camp happen.

Open to children ages 8-14 and free of charge for a capacity of around 150-200 entrants, the day also included a lunch and other activities — this year debuting a pair of inflatable water slides to help battle the heat — for the campers.

“Getting out on the field and interacting with the kids is the best part,” Evans said.