Alex and Evan McPherson are brothers from Fort Payne, Alabama, who have established themselves as two of the most proficient placekickers in American football history. Evan McPherson is a celebrated NFL kicker for the Cincinnati Bengals, known for his postseason heroics, while Alex McPherson is a record-breaking specialist for the Auburn Tigers.
The rise of the McPherson family has fundamentally changed how scouts and fans perceive the value of the placekicker. While many specialists enter the sport as converts from soccer or other disciplines, the McPherson brothers grew up in a specialized environment where technical precision and mental fortitude were prioritized from a young age. As of 2026, their names are synonymous with "clutch" performance, with Evan solidifying his legacy in the professional ranks and Alex rewriting the record books in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
The Foundation: From Fort Payne to National Prominence
The story of Alex and Evan McPherson begins in Fort Payne, Alabama. The brothers are part of a three-sibling specialist pipeline that includes their oldest brother, Logan McPherson, who paved the way as a punter and kicker at Louisiana Tech. Under the guidance of their parents, LaDon and Amber McPherson, the brothers developed a rigorous training ethic that transformed a small-town backyard into a laboratory for elite kicking mechanics.
In the world of high school football, the McPherson name became legendary before Evan ever stepped foot in a professional stadium. Both brothers attended Fort Payne High School, where they competed not just against opponents, but against each other’s personal bests. This internal family competition was the catalyst for their development. Evan originally held the school and state records, only to see Alex eventually surpass many of his marks, including a staggering 61-yard field goal that broke Evan’s previous state record of 60 yards.
Evan McPherson: The "Money Mac" Era in the NFL
Evan McPherson’s transition from the Florida Gators to the NFL is a case study in high-leverage performance. Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Evan was the only kicker selected that year. His rookie season remains one of the most impactful in league history for a specialist.
The 2021 Postseason Breakthrough
Evan’s reputation was forged during the Bengals' run to Super Bowl LVI. During that postseason, he went a perfect 14-for-14 on field goals, tying the record for the most field goals in a single postseason. His confidence became a national talking point when, before kicking the game-winning field goal in the AFC Divisional Round against the Tennessee Titans, he famously told teammate Joe Burrow, "Well, looks like we’re going to the AFC Championship."
Technical Specifications of Evan’s Kicking
Evan is characterized by a "compact" kicking motion. Unlike kickers who rely purely on raw leg strength, Evan utilizes a high degree of rotational torque and explosive hip snap. This allows him to maintain accuracy even on kicks exceeding 50 yards. By 2026, Evan has consistently ranked in the top tier of the NFL for field goal percentage from 50+ yards, a metric that has become the standard for elite modern kickers.
Bengals Career Milestones
- Postseason Accuracy: Maintained a perfect record through his first 19 career postseason attempts.
- Franchise Records: Holds the Bengals' record for the most 50-yard field goals in a single season and a career.
- Contractual Impact: His success led to a significant market shift in how NFL teams value kickers, moving them from "expendable assets" to core "franchise players."
Alex McPherson: Continuing the Legacy at Auburn
While Evan was conquering the NFL, Alex McPherson was carving out his own path at Auburn University. Entering the college ranks as the #1 ranked kicker in the nation, Alex faced the immense pressure of living up to the family name in the most competitive conference in college football, the SEC.
Breaking Records on the Plains
Alex’s career at Auburn has been defined by consistency and range. In his freshman and sophomore seasons, he demonstrated a leg that was arguably even more powerful than Evan's at the same age. During the 2023 season, Alex set an Auburn record by successfully making 19 consecutive field goals, surpassing marks set by legendary Auburn kickers like Daniel Carlson.
The Mental Game of College Kicking
Alex has often cited the "older brother effect" as a primary reason for his success. Having watched Evan navigate the pressures of the SEC and the NFL, Alex entered Auburn with a professional mindset. His pre-kick routine is a mirror of Evan’s—calculated, repetitive, and designed to minimize external variables. By 2026, Alex’s name is a fixture on the Lou Groza Award watch lists, and he is widely considered the top specialist prospect for the upcoming NFL drafts.
Technical Comparison: Alex vs. Evan
Though they share the same DNA and training background, scouts note subtle differences in their technical profiles. Understanding these nuances helps explain why both have been so successful in different environments.
| Feature | Evan McPherson (NFL/Pro) | Alex McPherson (NCAA/Auburn) |
|---|---|---|
| Leg Speed | High rotational velocity | High linear explosive power |
| Typical Hang Time | 4.6 - 4.9 seconds (Kickoffs) | 4.7 - 5.1 seconds (Kickoffs) |
| Max Range (Game) | 59 Yards | 61 Yards (High School) / 55+ (College) |
| Clutch Rating | Historically high in NFL playoffs | Record-holder for consecutive makes |
| Stance Width | Narrow, focused on quick steps | Slightly wider, focused on leverage |
The "McPherson Step"
Both brothers utilize a specialized three-step approach that has been refined through years of working with elite kicking coaches. This method focuses on the "plant foot" placement. If the plant foot is even two inches off the mark, the trajectory of the ball can shift by several feet over a 50-yard distance. The brothers are known for their "footwork discipline," rarely deviating from their mark regardless of weather conditions or stadium noise.
The Psychological Profile of the McPherson Brothers
The most significant commonality between Alex and Evan isn't their physical stature—it's their psychological resilience. The position of a placekicker is unique in sports; they spend 95% of the game on the sideline, only to be called upon for 1.3 seconds of high-stakes action.
The brothers utilize a technique called "Visualization Training." Before every game, they walk the field, identifying landmarks in the stands to use as aiming points. This reduces the "size" of the goalposts in their minds, focusing purely on a target that is often just a few inches wide. Evan’s ability to remain calm in the Super Bowl and Alex’s ability to kick in hostile environments like Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium are direct results of this mental conditioning.
Training and Specialization: The One on One Kicking Influence
The success of the McPherson brothers can also be attributed to the rise of specialized kicking camps, specifically One on One Kicking. These camps provide a level of technical analysis that was unavailable to previous generations of kickers.
- Biomechanical Analysis: Using high-speed cameras to analyze the angle of the foot at the moment of impact.
- Pressure Simulation: Creating "live" scenarios in practice where a miss results in extra conditioning for the entire group, mimicking the social pressure of a locker room.
- Nutrition and Strength: Tailoring leg-day workouts to focus on fast-twitch muscle fibers rather than pure bulk, ensuring the leg acts like a whip rather than a club.
Common Obstacles and Troubleshooting in Elite Kicking
Despite their success, the McPherson brothers have had to navigate the inherent risks of the specialist position. For Alex, this included navigating the coaching transitions at Auburn, while Evan has had to manage the physical toll of a 17-game NFL season plus deep playoff runs.
Dealing with the "Yips"
Every kicker faces a slump. The McPherson approach to a miss is "The 10-Second Rule." They allow themselves 10 seconds to be frustrated, after which the kick is deleted from their mental cache. This prevents a single miss from turning into a multi-game slump.
Environmental Factors
Kicking in the AFC North (where Evan plays) presents some of the most difficult weather in the world. High winds in Cincinnati and Baltimore require a "lower flight path" to pierce the wind. Conversely, Alex often kicks in the humid, heavy air of the South, which requires more "drive" through the ball. Their ability to adjust their ball flight based on stadium geometry and wind patterns is a hallmark of their professional-grade preparation.
Future Outlook: A Two-Kicker NFL
As we move through 2026, the possibility of both Alex and Evan McPherson occupying starting spots in the NFL is highly likely. This would place them in a rare category of siblings playing the same specialized position at the highest level, similar to the Gramatica brothers or the Bahr brothers in previous decades.
The impact of the McPhersons extends beyond their stats. They have inspired a new generation of high school athletes to view kicking as a primary discipline rather than a secondary one. Their success has also prompted NFL and NCAA coaches to invest more heavily in specialist-specific coaching staff, recognizing that a "McPherson-level" kicker is often the difference between a championship and a losing season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the older brother, Alex or Evan?
Evan McPherson is the older brother. He was born in 1999, while Alex is several years younger. Their eldest brother, Logan, also played college football as a specialist, making them a three-brother kicking lineage.
Has Alex McPherson broken any of Evan's records?
Yes. In high school, Alex broke Evan's record for the longest field goal in Alabama state history with a 61-yard kick. At Auburn, Alex also set a record for the most consecutive field goals made, a feat that garnered national attention and solidified his status as an elite prospect.
What team does Evan McPherson play for in 2026?
Evan McPherson remains the primary placekicker for the Cincinnati Bengals. Since being drafted in 2021, he has become one of the most reliable scorers in the league and a cornerstone of the Bengals' special teams unit.
Are the McPherson brothers related to any other famous kickers?
While they are not directly related to other famous kicking families like the Zuerleins or the Tuckers, they are often compared to them due to their similar technical proficiency and high-pressure performance.
What is the average field goal percentage for the McPherson brothers?
Both brothers typically maintain a field goal percentage above 85% in their respective leagues. Evan has had seasons in the NFL nearing 90%, while Alex’s college career has seen him hover around the 90-94% mark, which is exceptional for the collegiate level.
Practical Recommendation for Aspiring Kickers
For those looking to emulate the success of Alex and Evan McPherson, the primary focus should be on mechanical consistency over distance. Most young kickers make the mistake of trying to kick the ball as hard as possible, which leads to a breakdown in form.
- Master the 30-Yard Kick: Ensure your form is identical every time from a short distance before moving back.
- Film Every Rep: Use a smartphone to record your kicks from the side and behind. Look for "head movement" and "plant foot" stability.
- Mental Reset: Develop a trigger word or action (like adjusting your glove) that signals the start of your routine, helping to block out crowd noise and pressure.
- Specialized Coaching: Seek out reputable specialist camps like One on One Kicking or Kohl’s Kicking to get professional eyes on your technique.
