In the spotlight of the NFL, players get the glory, but behind every standout, there’s a tribe of support that deserves a shout-out. For Evan McPherson, the Cincinnati Bengals‘ kicker making waves, that squad is his family. Yeah, you guessed it—Mom and Dad have a huge role in how the “Money Mac” legend unfolded.

Who is Evan McPherson’s mom?

Let’s kick things off with Amber Norman McPherson. This powerhouse is more than just Evan’s mom; she’s also the Director at the DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center in Fort Payne, Alabama. Seriously, she’s been grinding in social work for over twenty years, knocking down walls in child abuse prevention and intervention. Take a moment to appreciate that—she started at the CAC back in 1993, and she’s still going strong. She’s got accolades to her name now, including being named the 2024 Woman In Management. Talk about impressive.

Amber’s got this magic way of blending hard work with warmth at home. You could say she’s the MVP in Evan’s life. She built a home where ambition meets compassion. Picture the backyard battles with the three McPherson sons—Evan, Logan, and Alex—kicking as their futures depended on it (which, let’s be real, they kinda did).

She recalls how they struggled early on, frustrated that not every kick was a homer. But that just fueled their fire. “They’d get so frustrated… but they just would push themselves so hard,” she says. It’s like Mama McPherson was happy to drive them to be better, all while pushing them to understand that it’s about the journey, not just the scoreboard.

Amber doesn’t just shine in her career; she shows up for her boys in every way. While she’s all about helping other families, her greatest impact is right at home. From starting programs for teen mothers to guiding her sons through their challenges, she’s got a knack for teaching life lessons. She’s his biggest fan—on the sidelines, in life, and all over social media when she shares his triumphs.

Who is the Bengals kicker‘s dad?

Now, let’s talk about LaDon McPherson. This dude is the quintessential dad figure, holding down the fort as a Quality Manager at HARCO METAL PRODUCTS INC. He’s no stranger to hard work, spending almost 15 years as a Production Manager at another outfit. You could say the guy knows a thing or two about dedication.

LaDon didn’t just stand on the sidelines; he was right there in the backyard with Evan and his brothers, kicking balls and nurturing sibling rivalries. Talk about a family affair! All three McPherson boys showed promise in their kicking careers, and LaDon was there every step of the way. “The McPherson kicking empire started outside in the backyard,” he reminisces, and you can just feel the pride radiating from his words. Those countless hours of practice weren’t just about perfecting a craft; they built character among brothers.

And man, you should see LaDon light up when he talks about his boys. He’s quick to share their accomplishments online, showcasing each of their wins like a proud papa bear. McPherson Sr’s love and support create a rock-solid foundation that keeps Evan grounded as he navigates the hectic world of professional sports. He’s taught Evan resilience and tenacity that definitely come in handy when you’re lining up for a game-winning kick. They might chomp on each other’s competitive spirits. But at the end of the day? It’s all about love!

While Evan McPherson is kicking balls for the Bengals, LaDon and Amber McPherson have been cheering from the sidelines. They were integral to his journey, teaching him the importance of hard work and humility. As “Money Mac” continues to wow fans and break records in the NFL, he’s got his family backing him up every step of the way.

Moving on from the McPherson family, do check out our latest Think Tank episode with the Griffin sisters!