Former LSU Kicker Cade York Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

Former LSU kicker Cade York continues to rack up the awards with the Cleveland Browns. After a dominant NFL debut, the automatic kicker took home an award few rookies have ever earned: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

The gifted kicker went 4-for-4 in his rookie debut with the game-winning 58-yard kick to seal the victory in his first NFL contest. His kick was the second-longest game-winning field goal by a rookie in the final two minutes of regulation or in overtime in NFL history.

"That is a rare performance for a rookie, as we all know," head coach Kevin Stefanski said following the Browns win. "Pretty unprecedented for him to go do that. Just going to continue to grow with him."

Cade York's game-winning 58-yard field goal for the Browns is the longest made FG by a rookie in their team's first game of the season in NFL history#Browns @Browns
— NFL Research (@NFLPlus) September 11, 2022

York has been taking Cleveland by storm since arriving. A standout during training camp, Mr. Reliable won the Maurice Bassett Award, given to the top Browns rookie during camp.

York unofficially went 22-of-24 during the team's field goal periods and has delivered multiple field long-range field goals during camp.

“Honestly, I had the worst warmup of my life today.”

In his first NFL game, Cade York overcame his nerves and hit the game-winner for the @Browns in Carolina. (@AKinkhabwala) pic.twitter.com/3HUcRHDHFK
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 11, 2022

"We are excited about Cade, and he has done a nice job out here," head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Aug. 6. "This is a process, so we have to get through the preseason, get into the season and see where he is. We are excited to have him. Obviously in those moments when you need a guy, you are going to want a guy who can come through for you."

In 37 games for the Tigers, York was 54-for-66 (82%) on field goal tries and 164-for-168 on PAT attempts while going 75-for-75 his last two seasons. His production in Baton Rouge is what ultimately led him to being the highest selected kicker in the NFL Draft since 2016.