Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Tristan Wirfs, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top linemen, recently appeared as a guest on The Pivot Podcast. During the conversation, Wirfs shared insights on various topics, including an intriguing discussion about Mike Evans’ notable matchups with cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
Mike Evans and Marshon Lattimore have a long-standing and contentious history on the field, with their recurring clashes becoming a notable aspect of Evans’ career, even among casual fans.
The Evans-Lattimore rivalry has been marked by numerous heated exchanges and confrontations over the years. Two incidents, in particular, stand out as especially memorable and have become ingrained in the public’s perception of their feud.
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The origins of the Evans-Lattimore rivalry can be traced back to a pivotal moment when Evans delivered a blindside hit on Lattimore, sparked by Jameis Winston’s interference. Although Evans avoided ejection from the game, he was subsequently suspended for the following week, setting the tone for a heated and enduring feud.
The tension between Evans and Lattimore escalated again in 2022, when a heated altercation broke out on the field. The incident began with Tom Brady disputing a penalty, which led to a confrontation between Brady and Lattimore. As the situation intensified, Leonard Fournette shoved Lattimore, prompting Mike Evans to sprint off the sideline and tackle Lattimore to the ground, sparking a full-blown brawl. Both Evans and Lattimore were ejected from the game, and for the second time in his career, Evans was forced to serve a one-game suspension due to his involvement in the altercation.
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Despite publicly expressing regret over his past outbursts, Evans’ rivalry with Lattimore continues to simmer, with their twice-yearly matchups taking on the intensity of grudge matches. The feud has become a captivating narrative, not only for fans of the Buccaneers and Saints but also for the media and even within Tampa Bay’s locker room, where it has taken on a life of its own.
Here’s what Wirfs had to say about the Evans-Lattimore rivalry,
“They told me my rookie year… Go get Mike after every play. I was like okay. I do my pass rush, and then I look and Mike and Marshon are in each other’s face [I’m] like sprinting down the field.”
Wirfs’ comments offer a glimpse into the intensity of the Evans-Lattimore rivalry, which clearly extends beyond the football field. Although Lattimore’s move to the Commanders reduces the frequency of their matchups, their playoff encounter last season proved that the rivalry remains alive and well. Notably, Evans got the better of Lattimore in that game, hauling in seven catches for 92 yards and scoring his second playoff touchdown against his longtime adversary.
The BR RubÂ
The Evans-Lattimore rivalry has definitely been must-see-tv. And while I’m sure there’s fault to be laid at both players feet it has to be mentioned that Evans doesn’t have this level of beef with any other player in the league. On the flip-side, Lattimore is ALWAYS starting crap with other players. So this, in our opinion is mostly on the fact that Lattimore can’t keep from running his mouth. Evans just happens to be the only one to shut it for him.
Watch the entire episode of The Pivot Podcast with Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan WirfsÂ
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