Ex-Aggies star, Bucs WR Mike Evans holding free camp in Galveston

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Growing up in Galveston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans interacted with former Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton during his annual football camps.

That planted a lasting seed with Evans, the former Texas A&M star who was named to his first Pro Bowl last season.

Evans avoided trouble while living in the Galveston housing projects and overcame a family tragedy at age 9 when his father, Mickey, was murdered by Evans' uncle.

Sam Kilgore, Evans' uncle, stabbed and shot Mickey Evans after becoming enraged by the domestic violence his sister, Heather Kilgore, had been subjected to by Evans' dad. Sam Kilgore was originally sentenced to 38 years, but is serving a life prison for killing is cellmate a decade ago.

"I've always had great mentors," Evans said. "I've had a lot of great friends and people in my life. It all helps. You've got to live on and stay positive and give back to others."

Evans will hold his second annual football camp on June 24 at Ball High School in Galveston.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) scores on a touchdown reception over New Orleans Saints cornerback Sterling Moore (24) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) less Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) scores on a touchdown reception over New Orleans Saints cornerback Sterling Moore (24) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Saturday, ... more Photo: Butch Dill, Associated Press Photo: Butch Dill, Associated Press Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Ex-Aggies star, Bucs WR Mike Evans holding free camp in Galveston 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

Among the other players scheduled to attend: New England Patriots linebacker and former University of Houston standout Elandon Roberts, Buccaneers and former Aggies wide receiver Derel Walker and former Texas A&M wide receivers Ryan Swope and Travis Labhart.

Evans' football camp is being held through a partnership with the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce (registration available at galvestonchamber.com) and is intended for children ages 8 to 14. The camp will include football drills and stress the importance of teamwork and education.

"I'm just giving them an experience," Evans said in a telephone interview. "I'm giving them an opportunity to come out and have fun. It's a chance for me to give back to my city. They get to be around a professional athlete and learn from me and my friends."

Evans caught a career-high 96 passes for 1,321 yards and a dozen touchdowns last season. The Buccaneers exercised a fifth-year team option for 2018 for Evans in April. In three NFL seasons, the former Aggies consensus All-American and first-round draft pick has caught 288 career passes for 3,578 yards and 27 touchdowns.

"I've been blessed," Evans said. "I just want to share that with people, the kids. Everybody had so much fun last year. I love kids. I know a lot of kids from the area. It's just fun seeing everybody and interacting and playing with them, especially the younger ones. They had such a good time. They can compete. It's fun seeing them happy."