As Tom Brady returns to Tampa, Mike Evans remembers their special connection…see more

“It’s crazy that we had the relationship that we did,” the five-time Pro Bowl receiver told FOX Sports on Wednesday after practice.

“We were way closer than I expected us to be. He still keeps in touch, even though he’s one of the biggest stars in the world. He’s just a down-to-earth guy. Just seeing who he is outside of football.

I got to know his family, his kids.” Tampa Bay would win two more division titles in 2021 and 2022, with Brady leading a reset of the franchise’s identity.

Before his arrival, the Bucs had missed the playoffs 12 straight years, but now they have a streak of four straight postseason appearances, matching a franchise record.

“I didn’t know him when he was in New England, and he was about his business here, but you saw a lighter side to him,” Evans said.

“I’ve been to fights with him, hung out with him outside of here. He’s just a great dude, and he loves his family.”