Fort Payne Honors Hometown Hero

Fort Payne Honors Hometown Hero

By Marla Jones

Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- Fort Payne, known for being Wildcat Country, is turning orange and black in preparation for the Super Bowl on Sunday. 

Local businesses are decorating their storefronts with Cincinnati Bengals signs honoring one of their own, Evan McPherson. 

McPherson, a graduate of Fort Payne High School, was a fifth-round pick in the 2021 draft for the Cincinnati Bengals.   He received the key to the City of Fort Payne after the draft. 

McPherson has set the record for the most kicks by a rookie kicker in league history. He also received the Rookie of the Year Award by the Pro Football Writers of America. 

Throughout the American Football Conference (AFC) Playoffs, McPherson has remained perfect and has made 12 consecutive field goals attempts. He hit field goals of 32, 31, 52, and 31 yards during the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

On Friday, February 11, Fort Payne City Schools will host an Evan McPherson Day to show their support for their Hometown Hero. Students and facility alike will wear black and orange to help cheer Evan to victory. 

On Sunday, millions will be watching as the teams take the field. As the half-time show begins with a plethora of celebrities on stage, all eyes will be on the kicker from our hometown. He is our celebrity and our hero. He will shine brighter than any light or costume on stage. 

The Super Bowl Championship between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams will air on NBC. The game will begin at 5:30 pm CST.

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