Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans talks cards, signs for Panini
By David Lee | Beckett Football Editor
Panini America and several elite 2014 NFL rookies are in attendance at the 2015 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl this weekend in Carson, Calif. Panini is capitalizing on the event to gather autographs for cards in some of the final football products of the year, including Immaculate Collection, Spectra and Black Gold. The company is also partnering with these top rookies to serve as ambassadors for the participants in the Collegiate Bowl.
The Collegiate Bowl puts aspiring NFL rookies in front of team evaluators, giving them a chance to draw attention they may not otherwise receive. Among the 2014 rookies attending are Teddy Bridgewater, Mike Evans, Jordan Matthews, Tre Mason, Jarvis Landry, John Brown, Martavis Bryant, Bishop Sankey, Brandin Cooks and others. They signed several cards for the aforementioned upcoming products. Panini shared some photos with us (see below) and we were able to chat with Tampa Bay receiver Mike Evans about his incredible season, his Michael Jordan card collection that he lost, and his advice for upcoming rookies. Evans ranked second among rookie receivers with 1,051 yards. His 12 touchdowns tied Odell Beckham, Jr. for most among rookies.
Have you had a chance to check out some of your Panini cards?
Mike Evans: “Yes. They look really nice—a lot better than the ones I used to collect when I was younger. They’ve come a long way.”
Looking back at your rookie season, what’s it like to see things come full-circle from the Draft and the Rookie Premiere, and now this event at the Collegiate Bowl?
ME: “It’s a blessing. The Rookie Premiere was great. My rookie year, I thought I played well. As a team we didn’t do what we hoped to do, but we laid down our foundation. I’m looking forward to 2015.
The receivers dominated the 2014 rookie class. What do you attribute to that success and particularly your success?
ME: “I think it was the situations. We were on teams willing to give us the ball. I’ve heard of rookie receivers just not having success. Coaches get them just off potential, and they sit there for a couple years waiting for them to develop. I think this group was one of the most talented receiver classes ever. I think we showed that. Hopefully we all maintain that throughout our careers.”
Who were some of the players and teams you collected as a kid?
ME: “Well, my father had a big card collection. He had a Michael Jordan Rookie Card and had it framed. He passed away and then I had it. I moved one year and lost all the cards. They actually were probably worth a lot of money. I had Reggie Miller cards, and all of what [my dad] had. I always tried to get Dwyane Wade and Peyton Manning stuff.”
Have you had a chance to look at your first football cards, or trade any cards or memorabilia?
ME: “I’m big on collecting jerseys Next year I hope I can get a lot of game-worn jerseys. I got a couple this year. I might get some of these guys to autograph some of these cards for me.”
What jerseys do you have?
ME: “I got Reggie Bush’s jersey. He’s my favorite running back of all time. I got Johnny’s [Maziel] and Jake Matthews. That’s a nice collection to start off with.”
What advice would you give to these players who are about to be drafted and start this long rookie process that you have just been through?
ME: “Stay in shape before you get drafted. I wasn’t in shape. I had strained my hamstring on the first day of OTAs because I wasn’t in shape. It’s a grueling process, so just be ready for it.”
David Lee is the editor of Beckett Football. He can be reached at footballeditor@beckett.com or on Twitter @FreeEnergyDude.
