Cincinnati Bengals kicker Cade York had a moment to forget during Saturday’s dramatic overtime win against the Denver Broncos. The pressure was on for York to seal the game with a 33-yard field goal in overtime-a kick typically considered routine. However, his attempt ricocheted off the upright, leaving the Bengals and their fans in shock.
To make matters even more intense, York’s cheerleader girlfriend, Zoe Dale, was watching from the stands, having made a cross-country trip to support him.
Dale, a cheerleader for the Dallas Cowboys, traveled from Texas to Ohio during a break in her schedule to spend Christmas with York and watch him play. She posted a photo of the couple on her Instagram stories ahead of the game, sharing her excitement for the matchup.
York’s missed kick could have been a nightmare ending to the evening, but quarterback Joe Burrow ensured it wasn’t the final note. Burrow connected with Tee Higgins for a late touchdown to clinch the game for the Bengals, overshadowing York’s missed opportunity.
A new start in Cincinnati
York, recently signed by the Bengals as a replacement for injured kicker Evan McPherson, has been adjusting to his new role in Cincinnati. His relationship with Dale became public earlier this month during the Bengals’ game against the Dallas Cowboys.
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The kicker revealed a sweet moment leading up to his signing, sharing how Dale had been baptized just a day before he received the call from the Bengals.
“My girlfriend is actually a cheerleader for the Cowboys, and she got baptized on Sunday, so that was awesome,” York said. “Literally the next day, I got a call that I was going to work out for the Bengals.”
Despite her ties to the Cowboys, Dale made it clear she’s fully supportive of York’s career.
“She’s going to be cheering for me,” York laughed when asked about their football allegiances. “She’s already told me second and fourth quarter is when she’s on the visitor side. I’ll have to sneak her a couple of smiles.”
True to her word, Dale has backed York publicly. During the Bengals‘ recent game against the Cowboys, she posted on her Instagram stories: “Go Cade and Go Cowboys,” proving she’s adept at balancing her professional obligations with personal support.