Bengals’ Cade York and Cowboys’ Zoe Dale profess love for one another and faith in Christ on national stage

Placekicker Cade York has had an important week career-wise, but his biggest moment undeniably came off the field.

The Cincinnati Bengals elevated York to the starting kicker position just before they faced off against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night. York played every game for the Washington Commanders in 2022 but has struggled to make a roster spot since playing only one game over the past two seasons.

York made the most of the opportunity, nailing both of his field goal attempts and all three of his extra points. His first successful extra-point attempt elicited a celebration from an unlikely source: a Cowboys cheerleader.

After the kick went through, cameras caught noticeably nervous cheerleader Zoe Dale saying, “Praise God.” However, she had a valid reason to pull for the opposing player, as the second-year Cowboys cheerleader is currently dating him. 

In a locker-room interview Monday before the game, York said he believed getting a call from the Bengals to suit up was “God’s timing,” adding his girlfriend was a Cowboys cheerleader. 

The kicker was confident Dale would be cheering for him during the game and planned to “sneak a few smiles” at her as her squad would be positioned on the visitors’ side during the second and fourth quarters of the game.  

While their sweet moment on Monday Night Football was undeniably a big one for the couple, an even bigger moment happened the Sunday before when York stood by Dale’s side as she made a public profession of her faith through baptism. York also took the same obedient step earlier this year. 

“She got baptized on Sunday. So, it was awesome getting to do that, and all her teammates got to come watch,” York said. “And then, literally, the next day I get a call that I’m going to work out for the Bengals, and they’re playing on Monday, and I was like, ‘Well, Zoe, I will see you at home no matter what.’ So yeah, it’s pretty cool,” York told CBS Sports. 

Dale said of her baptism in an Instagram post: 

“In April, I had a powerful encounter with God that ignited a fire in my heart. Someone special encouraged me to read Proverbs 2, and that simple act opened my eyes to His love, His presence and His purpose for my life. Since then, God has shown me supernatural experiences, deep revelations, and filled me with peace and joy like never before.” 

She quoted 2 Corinthians 5:17 about becoming a new creation in Christ, adding, “Jesus has completely transformed my life, and this baptism is my declaration of the new life I have in Him.” 

The cheerleader said choosing Jesus was the best decision she’s ever made, and that nothing compares to the life she’s found in Him.  

York’s own baptism is pinned at the top of his Instagram profile, while his bio reads that he’s “Unashamed of my love for Jesus.” In York’s baptism post, the third-year kicker says Jesus is “lord and savior and there is freedom on the other side of surrendering your life to Him.” 

NFL reporter Lisa Salters said the newly baptized couple has been together for about seven months.  

With Bengals starting kicker Evan McPherson headed to the injured reserve list with a groin injury, it appears York will finish the season in Cincinnati and make a case for a starting position on an NFL roster next season.