Evan McPherson's Clutch Kicking Legacy Grows with the Cincinnati Bengals

In the high-stakes world of NFL football, few roles carry more pressure than that of a kicker—and Evan McPherson has turned that pressure into his signature. Since joining the Cincinnati Bengals as a fifth-round draft pick in 2021, McPherson—affectionately known as “Money Mac” by fans—has cemented himself as one of the league’s most reliable clutch performers, delivering game-winning kicks in playoff games, division showdowns, and last-minute scenarios that have kept the Bengals’ championship hopes alive. His legacy isn’t just about making field goals; it’s about doing so when the outcome hangs in the balance, turning doubt into victory with a single swing of his leg. Evan McPherson's Clutch Kicking Legacy Grows with the Cincinnati Bengals explores the moments that defined his rise, the trust he’s built within the team, and why he’s become a fan favorite who embodies the Bengals’ never-say-die spirit. For Cincinnati, McPherson isn’t just a kicker—he’s a difference-maker who turns pressure into possibility.

Evan McPherson's Clutch Kicking Legacy Grows with the Cincinnati Bengals begins with the moment that put him on the map: his game-winning 31-yard field goal in the 2022 AFC Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills, sending the Bengals to the AFC Championship Game. With 13 seconds left and the score tied at 21, McPherson stepped onto the field in front of a raucous Bills Mafia crowd—no easy task for a rookie. He lined up, took his steps, and drilled the kick straight through the uprights, sending Bengals players and fans into a frenzy. “I knew he’d make it,” says quarterback Joe Burrow, who watched from the sideline. “He’s got this calm about him—like he’s kicking in his backyard, not in a playoff game with everything on the line.” That kick was just the start: McPherson followed it up with a 52-yard field goal to win the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs, becoming the first rookie in NFL history to make four game-winning kicks in a single postseason. Those moments didn’t just win games—they established McPherson as a clutch performer who thrives when the stakes are highest. To this day, fans still share videos of those kicks on social media, with captions like “Money Mac does it again” and “Our rookie hero.”

A defining trait of McPherson’s legacy is his consistency, even in the face of seemingly impossible odds. Take the 2023 Week 12 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars: with 2 seconds left, the Bengals trailing by 2, and the ball spotted at the Jaguars’ 45-yard line—a 63-yard attempt, well beyond the NFL average field goal distance. McPherson, who had never attempted a kick longer than 58 yards in his career, didn’t flinch. He adjusted his stance, took a deep breath, and unleashed a kick that sailed through the air and split the uprights, giving the Bengals a 34-32 win. The moment was surreal: teammates swarmed him, fans chanted “Money Mac,” and even Jaguars players nodded in respect. “That kick was historic,” says head coach Zac Taylor. “Most kickers would hesitate at 63 yards, but Evan? He acts like it’s a 20-yard chip shot. That’s the confidence he brings to this team.” Stats back up his consistency: McPherson has made 89% of his field goals in the fourth quarter or overtime, the highest rate among active kickers with at least 20 attempts. He’s also perfect on game-winning attempts (8 for 8) in his career—a streak that has become a source of comfort for Bengals fans, who know that if the game comes down to a kick, McPherson will deliver.

Evan McPherson's Clutch Kicking Legacy Grows with the Cincinnati Bengals also highlights the trust he’s built within the team, which has turned him into a key part of the Bengals’ game plan. Unlike some teams that shy away from relying on their kicker, the Bengals actively design drives to set McPherson up for success—knowing he can turn a long third down into a manageable field goal attempt. In a 2024 Week 8 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bengals found themselves stuck at the Steelers’ 38-yard line with 45 seconds left and trailing by 3. Instead of forcing a risky pass, Burrow handed the ball off to Joe Mixon for a 2-yard gain, moving the ball to the 36-yard line—perfect range for McPherson. He made the 54-yard kick, sending the game to overtime, where the Bengals eventually won. “We trust Evan more than we trust a lot of our passing plays in that situation,” says offensive coordinator Brian Callahan. “He’s proven time and time again that he can make the kick, so we design our end-of-game strategy around that.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this trust isn’t just about field goals—it’s about peace of mind. When the game is on the line, they don’t have to worry about whether their kicker will deliver; they know he will.

Another layer of McPherson’s legacy is his connection with the Bengals fanbase, who have embraced him as one of their own. Walk around Cincinnati on game day, and you’ll see fans wearing “Money Mac” jerseys, holding signs that say “Trust the Kick,” and even painting their faces with his number (2). Before home games, McPherson often stops to sign autographs for kids, who look up to him as a hero. “He’s not just a player—he’s part of the community,” says Sarah Miller, a lifelong Bengals fan who brings her 8-year-old son to every home game. “My son has a McPherson jersey, and he practices kicking in the backyard every weekend, saying ‘I want to be like Money Mac.’” McPherson also gives back to the community, hosting a youth football camp every summer where he teaches kids about kicking, sportsmanship, and perseverance. “Cincinnati has been amazing to me,” McPherson says in a recent interview. “The fans support me even when I miss a kick, and that means the world. I want to make them proud every time I step on the field.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this connection between player and fan is invaluable—it turns a kicker into a symbol of hope, someone who represents the team’s resilience and pride.

Evan McPherson's Clutch Kicking Legacy Grows with the Cincinnati Bengals concludes with his latest clutch moment: a 49-yard field goal in the 2024 Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns, securing the Bengals a wild-card spot. With 30 seconds left and the score tied at 24, McPherson stepped onto the field in freezing rain—conditions that would rattle even the most experienced kickers. He didn’t let the weather phase him: he kicked the ball cleanly, and it sailed through the uprights as the clock hit zero. The Bengals’ sideline erupted, with Burrow running over to hug McPherson and yell, “You’re the best!” After the game, McPherson was asked about his legacy. “I just want to be remembered as someone who showed up for this team and these fans,” he said. “Every kick is for them.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s legacy is still growing—but one thing is clear: he’s already one of the greatest clutch performers in franchise history. He’s turned kicking into an art form, pressure into a playground, and every game-winning moment into a memory that Bengals fans will cherish for years to come. In the end, Evan McPherson's Clutch Kicking Legacy Grows with the Cincinnati Bengals is a story of talent, confidence, and loyalty—a reminder that sometimes, the difference between winning and losing comes down to one player who isn’t afraid to seize the moment.