Cade York faced far more than just the wind and distance when he made history, tying the Cincinnati Bengals’ all-time record for the franchise's longest successful field goal. The hurdles he overcame were not limited to just physical conditions. In a tense moment against the Cleveland Browns, York had to navigate several indecisive moments from Bengals’ head coach Zac Taylor, who was uncertain about how to approach the situation just before the kick. On top of that, York had to contend with the looming presence of defensive end Myles Garrett – a formidable opponent and a player with a history of disrupting field goal attempts.
Garrett, a former teammate of York's in Cleveland, was no stranger to causing chaos on field goal attempts. His reputation for blocking kicks added a layer of anxiety for Taylor, who knew that a failed kick could have severely impacted the Bengals' slim playoff hopes. In fact, Garrett had previously disrupted kicks in dramatic fashion, including blocking one against the Indianapolis Colts in 2023 and another against the Philadelphia Eagles earlier that season. That was a game-changing moment that had Taylor deeply concerned. He didn’t want to risk a similar turn of events in a crucial game for the Bengals' postseason chances.
Despite this tension, York remained focused and calm, even when the clock was ticking down. With the Bengals up 14-0 on 4th-and-14, there was only time for one more play before halftime. Initially, Taylor wasn’t sure whether to go for the long field goal, a Hail Mary throw to the end zone, or a punt. The crowd in the stands and those in the press box called for a daring shot at the end zone, especially given quarterback Joe Burrow’s ability to connect with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. But Taylor was hesitant. "I don't love the 'Hail Mary' in that situation," he said, acknowledging the risk involved. Taylor seemed to weigh the options, eventually calling for a timeout and reconsidering. The decision was finally made: a field goal attempt. But even with this decision, Taylor had significant reservations due to Garrett’s disruptive potential.
The doubts about the field goal weren’t about York’s ability; they stemmed entirely from Garrett's proven ability to ruin such attempts. In past seasons, Garrett had proven his capacity to leap over the offensive line and make a spectacular play to block kicks. Taylor couldn't shake the memory of Garrett’s dominant performance against the Eagles, which resulted in a dramatic 10-point swing after the blocked field goal was returned for a touchdown. It was a moment that had left an imprint on the minds of many in the Bengals organization, including Taylor. He understood all too well how quickly a seemingly routine field goal attempt could become a disastrous play.
As the Bengals prepared for the kick, York, who had previously been blocked by Garrett in practice during his time with the Browns, tried to block out all distractions and focus on the task at hand. The relationship between the two players was an interesting one. Garrett, known for his prowess as a pass rusher, also developed a strange fascination with blocking field goals. During York’s rookie year in Cleveland, Garrett had made it his mission to disrupt York’s kicks during practice. “Literally, I’m not kidding, probably five times that season, he would jump the snap and just block my kick in the middle of practice,” York recalled. “Like, no one’s trying to stop you, Myles, and he would just eat it from like four yards away.” These experiences left an impression on York, but he kept his focus on the present moment.
When York finally took the field for the 59-yard attempt, the Cleveland Browns called a timeout in a desperate attempt to freeze him. But York wasn’t rattled. “It didn’t work,” he said. With the game on the line and the Bengals’ playoff hopes hanging by a thread, York lined up for the kick. He poured all his concentration into the attempt, and as the ball sailed through the air, it appeared to clear the crossbar by a couple of yards. The stadium erupted as the ball sailed through the uprights, securing a 17-0 lead for the Bengals heading into halftime. Taylor, visibly relieved and pleased with the result, flashed a grin from ear to ear.
“It was just like any other kick,” York said nonchalantly. “Just a little bit colder and a little bit farther.” But for York, this wasn’t just any kick. It was a moment that solidified his place in Bengals history, tying him with kicker Evan McPherson for the longest successful field goal in franchise history. York’s 59-yard field goal wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was a critical moment in the game that helped propel the Bengals to a 24-6 victory over the Browns, keeping their faint playoff hopes alive.
It’s easy to overlook the significance of this achievement when you’re used to seeing kickers make 50-plus yard field goals with seeming ease. However, in the context of the Bengals’ season and the pressure of the moment, York’s kick was a huge statement. It was a crucial play in a game that had playoff implications, and it helped York etch his name in the history books of one of the NFL’s storied franchises.
In the future, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear trivia questions asking fans to recall the name of the backup kicker who tied the Bengals’ record for the longest successful field goal. York’s contribution may be remembered with a hint of nostalgia, as a backup who stepped up in a time of need. But for now, York remains humble about the impact of his kick. “Feels great,” he said after the game, his voice filled with a touch of modesty. “I didn’t really realize the history until after the game, but... it’s pretty cool.”
Looking ahead, it’s likely that York’s kick won’t remain the longest in Bengals history forever. With McPherson back in the lineup and securing his place as the team’s primary kicker, it’s easy to imagine that York’s record could be broken one day. However, York’s moment in the spotlight will remain a significant part of the Bengals’ history, and his 59-yard kick will forever be remembered as a key play in a season full of ups and downs.
In the end, York's performance not only highlighted his skill as a kicker but also his ability to remain focused under pressure. Despite the chaos and uncertainty surrounding the decision-making process, he executed when it mattered most. The game-changing field goal secured a critical win for the Bengals and gave York a place in the franchise’s history books. His journey from backup kicker to record-setter is a testament to perseverance and the ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are high.
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