Bengals’ kicker enjoying the spotlight ahead of AFC Championship game

KANSAS CITY — The Bengals are one win away from a trip to the Super Bowl and a big reason they are in the AFC Championship game is a rookie kicker Evan McPherson.

If the Bengals beat the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, they’ll get to take home the Lamar Hunt Trophy, which is named after the Chiefs founder. There are so many players that will be key to the team’s success. The one that has been the most clutch of all is McPherson.

Fifty-two yards was all that stood between the Bengals and history. To McPherson it was just another kick.

“It just so happened at the end of the game, it comes down to a field goal, so I just go out there and do my job,” McPherson said.

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He’s the only rookie in NFL history to have three walk-off field goals in the regular season then one in the postseason.

His eight playoff field goals are already one shy of the Bengals career record. His clutch ability has helped earn him respect in the locker room.

Bengals wide receiver Ja’marr Chase said, “Evan’s a cool guy. I’m always messing with him in the locker room calling him little bro and stuff even though he’s older than me. Me and Evan are real cool. Me and him are always chatting it up. When he’s at practice kicking those kicks every day, he’s not really missing them a lot. When we see that a practice, we take it to the game, and we expect him to do it in the game. His confidence is high, and our confidence is high watching him.”

Against the Vikings, Jaguars, Chiefs and Titans, McPherson walked out with the game tied and sent fans homes with a win. For many, its gut-wrenching moment, but the pressure of those moments doesn’t get to McPherson.

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“I say they’re probably fun for every kicker. That’s a kicker’s dream to have the game on your shoulders and just to go out there and execute the way that we have all practiced,” said McPherson.

The Bengals will take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday on WHIO-TV at 3:05pm.

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