By Marla Jones

Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--On Sunday, Fort Payne’s hometown hero, Evan McPherson of the Cincinnati Bengals, kicked a 31-yard field goal, in overtime, to win 27-24,  over the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Bengals erased an 18-point deficit and took the 24-21 lead on a 52-yard kick by McPherson.  

The Chiefs tied the game, with a 44-yard kick of their own, as time expired in regulation play. 

In overtime, the Chiefs were intercepted on the third play, allowing the Bengals to take over. McPherson kicked the 31-yard field goal, winning the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship and advancing the Bengals to the Super Bowl. 

McPherson hit field goals of 32, 31, 52, and 31 yards during the game. 

McPherson remains perfect through the AFC playoffs and has made 12 consecutive field goal attempts, setting the record of the most by a rookie kicker in league history. McPherson’s 12 field goals are also the most in Bengals franchise history. He is already the first player in NFL history with four field goals made in multiple games in a single postseason. 

The Bengals will face the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI. This is the first time in 33 years that the Bengals have made it to the big show. 

The kickoff is set for Sunday, February 13 at 5:30 from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.