Mike Evans Reflects on Rivalry with Marshon Lattimore

Former Buccaneers star discusses heated battles with Saints cornerback

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a recent podcast interview, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans opened up about his long-running rivalry with New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Evans acknowledged the physical nature of their matchups and the trash talk between the two teams, while also giving Lattimore credit as a tough and talented player.

Why it matters

The Evans-Lattimore rivalry was one of the most intense in the NFL over the past decade, with the two players frequently getting into scrapes and scuffles when their teams faced off in the NFC South. As both players have now moved on from their original teams, this interview provides insight into the backstory and dynamics of their heated on-field battles.

The details

Evans discussed how the Saints would often talk trash, especially when they were winning, and how the physical nature of the matchups between him and Lattimore would frequently boil over into altercations. He acknowledged one specific incident where he 'cheap-shotted' Lattimore, leading to a suspension, but also praised Lattimore's talent and the quality of their battles over the years.

  • Evans and Lattimore first faced off in 2017, with Evans being suspended for a game after a scuffle.
  • The two players continued their rivalry over the next several seasons, with another Evans suspension in 2020 for an after-play incident.

The players

Mike Evans

A former wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, known for his physical playing style and heated rivalry with Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

Marshon Lattimore

A cornerback for the New Orleans Saints, who had a long-running feud with Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans due to their physical and competitive matchups.

Fred Warner

A linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers who hosted Evans on his podcast and asked him about the rivalry with Lattimore.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't know, man. Just every time we played them boys. They were a really good team, but they were also kind of cocky with it. So they're going to talk trash, and especially when they're up on you, they're really going to talk crazy. And they had swag about them, too.”

— Mike Evans, Former Buccaneers Wide Receiver

“He's a tough player. He's physical. So that's how it happens. Obviously, I cheap-shotted him the one time, and they play it over every single time we played them. But at the end of the day, man, he's had an awesome career and we had some great battles.”

— Mike Evans, Former Buccaneers Wide Receiver

What’s next

With both Evans and Lattimore now playing for different teams, it remains to be seen if they will have the opportunity to renew their rivalry in the future. However, the respect and acknowledgment of each other's talents that Evans expressed in this interview suggests that any future matchups between the two would likely be just as intense and competitive as their previous battles.

The takeaway

The heated rivalry between Mike Evans and Marshon Lattimore was a defining part of the Buccaneers-Saints NFC South matchups over the past several seasons. While the two players were not afraid to get physical and engage in trash talk, Evans' comments show a mutual respect for Lattimore's abilities as a player. Their battles were a testament to the competitive spirit and intensity that makes NFL rivalries so compelling for fans.