WATCH: Former Florida star commits egregious Super Bowl penalty
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback and former Florida star Vernon Hargreaves committed the first penalty of the game for his team in the Super Bowl, but the decision has already been heavily criticized. After safety Jessie Bates made a critical second quarter interception, he rushed off the bench to celebrate with his teammates and drew the flag.
If Las Vegas had placed Super Bowl prop bet odds on the first Bengals player to commit a penalty, Vernon Hargreaves likely would not have made the shortlist, given that he is inactive for the game. However, that is the case after he celebrated in street clothes on the field.
The Bengals were not able to gain any offensive momentum on the next offensive drive, punting it back to the Rams before halftime. As the Super Bowl reaches its midway point, Cincinnati trails 13-10 and will receive the second half kickoff.
Another former Florida Gator makes headlines
Cincinnati Bengals rookie kicker and former Florida star Evan McPherson took in the halftime show from the sideline, leaving his teammates to talk strategy in the locker room. With Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent performing, he soaked in the moment.
While it is not uncommon for special teams players to return from halftime before the rest of the team, Evan McPherson’s early arrival is made more iconic by the decision to soak in the musical performance.
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Clearly, his decision to relax at halftime paid off. McPherson made his second field goal of the game from 38 yards away in the third quarter to extend the Bengals lead to seven points.
The rookie kicker became a cult hero after making 12 field goals in three games, including two game-winners, to help lead the Bengals to the Super Bowl. His confidence and swagger have only increased the love he receives from the city of Cincinnati.
McPherson was the only kicker taken in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Florida, a fact the Bengals are very proud of at this point. Cincinnati took him with pick No. 149 in the fifth round. Now his jersey sales have reached a status few kickers in NFL history ever have before.