Evan McPherson: From High School Prodigy to Bengals Star
Evan McPherson (born July 21, 1999), nicknamed "Money Mac," is an American professional football placekicker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). His journey to the NFL began in Fort Payne, Alabama, where he honed his skills and demonstrated exceptional talent.
Early Years and High School Career
McPherson started his football career at Fort Payne High School in Fort Payne, Alabama, where he spent four seasons as the team's kicker and punter. Even in high school, McPherson demonstrated his prodigious kicking ability. At Fort Payne, he made a 60-yard field goal and an 84-yard punt, both kicks being one yard short of the Alabama high school record. His performances drew attention and set the stage for his collegiate and professional career.
College Career at Florida Gators (2018-2020)
McPherson went on to play college football for the Florida Gators from 2018-2020 before choosing to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft. During his time with the Florida Gators, McPherson solidified his reputation as a reliable and accurate kicker. At Florida, McPherson was 51-of-60 (85.0%) on field goals, setting a Southeastern Conference record for career field goal percentage (minimum 50 attempts), and 149-of-150 on extra points. His consistency and accuracy earned him recognition and made him a sought-after prospect for the NFL.
NFL Career
2021 Season: Rookie Success
The Cincinnati Bengals selected McPherson in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He quickly proved his worth, showcasing his talent and composure under pressure. McPherson was a perfect 5/5 on field goals during the Bengals' three 2021 preseason games, including a 57-yard kick. McPherson made his first regular-season field goal attempt, a 53-yarder, in the season-opener against the Minnesota Vikings on September 12, 2021. During overtime, McPherson kicked a 33-yard game-winning field goal to secure a 27-24 win, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. On November 21, McPherson tied an NFL record by making three field goals from over 50 yards in one game, going 4/4 on kicks from 54, 53, 51, and 47 yards in a 32-13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, securing his second AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award in the process. He also set the franchise record for most 50-yard field goals made in a season, breaking the old record of 4 set by Horst Muhlmann in 1970. McPherson finished the season 28-of-33 on field goal attempts (84.8%), including being 9-of-11 on field goals (81.8%) from 50+ yards. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
2021 Playoffs: Clutch Performances
McPherson's impact extended into the playoffs, where he played a crucial role in the Bengals' success. In the Bengals' Wild Card game against the Raiders, McPherson was 4-of-4 on field goals, assisting the team to a 26-19 victory that gave them their first postseason win in 31 years. Subsequently, in the Divisional Round game, he again made 4-of-4 field goals, including two from over 50 yards. His 52-yard field goal as time expired gave the Bengals a 19-16 win over the Tennessee Titans to send them to their first AFC Championship Game since 1988.
Read also: Evan Neal: College to Pro
2022 Season: Record-Breaking Kicks and Challenges
In the Bengals season opening game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, McPherson set a franchise record for longest field goal with 59 yards. However, after an injury to long snapper Clark Harris, McPherson had a potential game-winning extra point blocked and missed a 29-yard field goal in overtime, leading to a 23-20 loss. In Week 4, McPherson converted both field goal attempts and all three extra points in a 27-15 win over the Miami Dolphins, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. In week 6, McPherson kicked a 52-yard field goal in the Bengals 30-26 win over the New Orleans Saints. McPherson finished the season making 82.8% of his field goals, with a perfect 5/5 on field goals from 50+ yards.
Contract Extension and 2024 Season
On August 16, 2024, McPherson signed a three-year, $16.5 million contract extension with the Bengals. In McPherson's Week 1 appearance, he successfully kicked a 51 yard field goal as the Bengals lost to the New England Patriots. McPherson began to struggle throughout the season with missed kicks. He was one for two on extra point attempts during the Bengals' 26-25 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He had another costly miss when the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Bengals 41-38 in overtime.
Personal Life and Background
Evan McPherson was born on July 21, 1999. He is known for his confidence and personality, sometimes dancing on the sidelines and displaying a calm demeanor even in high-pressure situations. His nickname, "Shooter McPherson," reportedly arose from a combination of Clark Harris's influence and a reference to the movie "Happy Gilmore". McPherson is also known to sport a "God is good" shirt. His younger brother, Alex McPherson, is also a highly-regarded kicker who committed to Auburn.
Read also: Ole Miss to the NFL: Engram's Story
Read also: Mobley's Journey to the NBA
tags: #Evan #McPherson #College #history
