What the Bengals’ Cade York said about the Browns after kicking a 59-yarder against his former team

The Bengals were considering a punt before using their final timeout of the half to let York try the field goal, though York didn’t realize it at first.

“I was standing there waiting and they called for a punt at first, but then that was (during) the clock winding down,” York said. “And I didn’t even realize they yelled at me to come back. I was like, ‘Oh.’

“I had already put my hat on. So I had to refocus in there a little bit.”

Cleveland then took a timeout to try and ice out their former kicker, and placed Denzel Ward in the end zone to return the kick in case it was short.

York said he didn’t notice Ward there, but doesn’t take kindly as a kicker to that kind of action.

“If anything, it’s kind of like a little bit disrespectful at times when they’re like, ‘Oh, like, make sure you can cover this kick. Like, oh really, like cover this.’ … (but) I didn’t even see him back there.”

York said he didn’t feel bothered by the weather.

“There really wasn’t much wind at all today, it would come in with little gusts, but nothing much at all,” York said.

York says he wasn’t aware of his record until afterward, which included a moment with a sidelined McPherson.

“I think Evan came up to me talking crap, saying like, ‘Don’t do that again or I’m gonna have to come back,’ or something like that. Just being funny,” York said.

York had a memorable NFL debut in 2022, making a 58-yard game-winner for the Browns against Carolina, but was waived by Cleveland after suffering 2023 preseason struggles.

After multiple practice squad stints with the Titans and Giants, and a short reunion with Cleveland earlier in 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 through three games with the Bengals.

York’s journey didn’t leave him viewing Sunday as a revenge game.

“I don’t really carry 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 the whole state of Ohio now, but it was nice to beat them though.”

York shared some of the moments with his former team, including its defensive coordinator.

“Jim Schwartz came up to me and said that he hopes I go 0 for 0 and have one kickoff, which at least he didn’t say 0 for 2 or 0 for 4, so that was funny,” York said.

“Just warm welcomes to everybody. Got to see all the coaches, all the players, everybody. I love Corey Bojorquez, (he’s) like one of my best friends. His mustache is crazy right now, so crazy,” York said.

“Seeing Dustin (Hopkins), seeing Rex (Sunahara), got to talk to Dustin for a bit (and) pray with each other. I really, really love those guys, so I wish nothing but the best for them.”

York even swapped jerseys with guard Wyatt Teller after the game, and received a message on it.