CINCINNATI, Ohio – Although most of the Bengals’ highlights in their 24-6 victory over the Browns on Sunday came from Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, the biggest highlight came from a former Cleveland player.
Cincinnati led 14-0 with 3 seconds left in the first half and opted for a field goal, specifically from 59 yards.
Without Evan McPherson (right groin), who has been on injured reserve since Week 13, they turned to former Browns kicker Cade York.
After missing a 47-yarder early in the half, York had a chance for redemption, extending the Bengals’ lead to 17-0 by halftime.
With the kick, York set a personal best and the Bengals record for longest field goal made, and fans might think the record would be even sweeter if he did it against the team that drafted him in the fourth round in 2022 has. But York said no because of the love he has for his former teammates.
“I wouldn’t say I was motivated by any ill will towards them. I love all these guys,” York said.
The Bengals considered a punt before using their final timeout of the half to let York attempt the field goal, although York didn’t realize it at first.
“I was standing there waiting and they called for a punt at first, but that happened (as) the clock was ticking down,” York said. “And I didn’t even realize they were yelling at me to come back. I thought, “Oh.”
“I had already put my hat on. So I had to refocus a little bit there.”
Cleveland then took a timeout to try to take out their former kicker, placing Denzel Ward in the end zone to return the kick in case it fell short.
York said he didn’t notice Ward there, but as a kicker he wasn’t keen on such moves.
“If anything, sometimes it’s a little disrespectful when they say, ‘Oh, make sure you can cover that kick.’ Oh, really, I’d like to cover that.’ … (but) I didn’t even see him there.”
York said he didn’t mind the weather.
“There really wasn’t much wind today, there were little gusts but not much at all,” York said.
York says he only learned later about his record, which included a moment with a dropped McPherson.
“I think Evan came up to me and was talking nonsense and said, ‘Don’t do that again or I’ll have to come back’ or something like that. Just being funny,” York said.
York had a memorable NFL debut in 2022 when he scored a 58-yard game to give the Browns a win against Carolina, but was released by Cleveland after struggling in the 2023 preseason.
After several training stints with the Titans and Giants and a brief reunion with Cleveland in early 2024, he was traded to Washington and released after missing both kicks in the season opener.
He was a free agent until this month, when McPherson’s injury gave York a second chance. He’s used it well so far, with four makes out of five attempts in three games with the Bengals.
York’s trip meant he didn’t view Sunday as a revenge game.
“I don’t really have a tip on my shoulder for that. I love everyone over there. “I really enjoyed my time there,” York said. “And I guess I enjoy all of Ohio State now, but it was still nice to beat them.”
York shared some moments with his former team, including their defensive coordinator.
“Jim Schwartz came up to me and said he hopes I go 0-for-0 and have a kickoff. At least he didn’t say 0 for 2 or 0 for 4, so that was funny,” York said.
“Just a warm welcome to everyone. I saw all the coaches, all the players, everyone. I love Corey Bojorquez, he’s like one of my best friends. His mustache is crazy right now, so crazy,” York said.
“When I saw Dustin (Hopkins) and Rex (Sunahara), we were able to talk to Dustin a little bit (and) pray together. I really love these guys so I wish them nothing but the best.”
York even swapped jerseys with guard Wyatt Teller after the game and received a message about it.
Bengals kicker Cade York swapped jerseys with his former Browns teammate Wyatt Teller after the game, and it came with a message.Cleveland.com
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