The jersey number of a player in any sport is more than just a number on a uniform. It carries a significant meaning and history behind it. This is particularly true for the rookie kicker Evan McPherson, who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL draft. McPherson’s jersey number, 2, is not just a random choice. It is associated with his personal life and his journey to the NFL. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind Evan McPherson Bengals jersey number and its significance.
The Beginning of McPherson’s Football Journey
Before diving into the meaning behind Evan McPherson’s jersey number, let’s take a look at his football journey. McPherson grew up in Fort Payne, Alabama, where he started playing football at a young age. He excelled at both soccer and football in high school, but it was football that ultimately led him to pursue a career as a kicker.
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The Significance of Number 2
When Evan McPherson joined the Bengals, he was given the number 2 jersey. This may seem like a random choice, but there is a personal connection to this number. Number 2 is significant to McPherson because it was the jersey number of his late best friend and fellow high school kicker, Peyton Trueblood. Trueblood tragically passed away in a car accident in 2016. To honor his memory, McPherson wore number 2 in high school and continued to wear it in college at the University of Florida.
The Legacy of Number 2
Evan McPherson is not the first kicker to wear the number 2 jersey for the Bengals. The number has a legacy that dates back to the 1980s, when Bengals kicker Jim Breech wore the number. Breech was a fan favorite and a reliable kicker for the team for over a decade. He set numerous team records and was a key player in the Bengals’ Super Bowl run in 1989.
The Expectations for McPherson
As a rookie kicker, Evan McPherson has big shoes to fill with the Bengals. He will be expected to perform at a high level and contribute to the team’s success. Fortunately, he has the talent and work ethic to meet these expectations. In college, he was one of the most accurate kickers in the nation, and he consistently made clutch kicks in pressure situations.
The Impact of McPherson’s Jersey Number
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The significance of Evan McPherson’s jersey number extends beyond just honoring his late friend. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in football. McPherson and Trueblood were close friends and teammates, and their bond illustrates the close-knit nature of football teams. McPherson’s decision to continue wearing number 2 in college and the NFL shows his commitment to honoring his friend’s memory and keeping his spirit alive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Evan McPherson’s jersey number, 2, is not just a random choice. It has a deep personal meaning and connection to his football journey and the memory of his late friend and teammate, Peyton Trueblood. McPherson’s commitment to wearing number 2 in college and the NFL is a testament to the importance of camaraderie and teamwork in football. We can expect to see great things from McPherson in the upcoming season as he continues to honor his friend’s memory on the field.
