Who is Matt Araiza and What’s His Current NFL Status?
Matt Araiza is an NFL punter currently playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, known for his record-breaking college career and controversial path to professional football.
Quick Facts About Matt Araiza:
- Current Team: Kansas City Chiefs (signed February 2024)
- Position: Punter (#14)
- Age: 24 years old (born May 16, 2000)
- College: San Diego State University
- Nickname: “Punt God”
- 2024 Stats: 48.8 yard average on 62 punts, 25 inside the 20-yard line
The 24-year-old punter has had one of the most dramatic career journeys in recent NFL history. After setting NCAA records at San Diego State and earning the nickname “Punt God” for his viral 70 and 80-yard punts, Araiza was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2022.
However, his rookie season was derailed when he was released following allegations in a civil lawsuit. The San Diego County District Attorney later declined to press criminal charges, and the civil lawsuit was dropped in December 2023.
Now with the Chiefs, Araiza has described his return as “surreal” and stated in a press conference: “There is no other place I would rather be.” He’s currently the team’s starting punter as they compete for another championship.
His story represents both exceptional athletic talent and the complex challenges athletes can face off the field. From college stardom to controversy to comeback – Araiza’s journey continues to unfold in Kansas City.
Matt araiza basics:
The Rise of ‘Punt God’: College Stardom and NFL Draft
Long before Matt Araiza became a household name in professional football, his journey began in the sunny neighborhoods of San Diego, where a young athlete would find a gift that would eventually captivate the entire college football world.
From San Diego to San Diego State
Growing up in San Diego, California, Matt Araiza was the kind of kid who excelled at everything he touched. At Rancho Bernardo High School, he wasn’t just focused on football – he was a natural athlete who played soccer and ran track, building the kind of diverse athletic foundation that would later serve him well.
Even in high school, his leg strength was something special. Matt Araiza set a San Diego Section record with 37 career field goals, including a booming 53-yarder that had coaches shaking their heads in amazement. His punting average of 41.7 yards was already impressive, but it was just a preview of what was to come.
When it came time for college, staying close to home made perfect sense. San Diego State University offered him the chance to develop his skills while remaining in familiar territory. Like many rising sports stars who show early promise, Matt Araiza possessed that rare combination of raw talent and unwavering dedication. For more on rising sports stars, you might be interested in reading about Trinity Rodman’s journey.
A Record-Breaking College Career
What happened during Matt Araiza‘s time at San Diego State from 2018 to 2021 was nothing short of magical. While he initially handled both field goal kicking and punting duties, it was his punting that would make him a legend.
The 2021 season was when everything clicked. Matt Araiza didn’t just have a good year – he rewrote the record books with an NCAA season record of 51.19 yards per punt. To put that in perspective, most college punters are thrilled with averages in the low 40s.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. Matt Araiza had 18 punts that traveled 60 yards or more, with six sailing beyond the 70-yard mark. His longest punt went an incredible 86 yards, the kind of kick that leaves opposing coaches wondering if they should just fair catch everything.
These monster punts started going viral on social media, earning him the nickname “Punt God” from amazed fans and sports commentators. While he appreciated the recognition, Matt Araiza later admitted he didn’t necessarily love the pressure that came with such a lofty nickname.
The college football world took notice in a big way. He won the prestigious Ray Guy Award in 2021, given to the nation’s top punter, and was named a Unanimous All-American. For detailed stats from his incredible college career, you can check out his College Football stats at Sports-Reference.com.
Entering the NFL
With such a dominant college career behind him, Matt Araiza entered the 2022 NFL Draft as one of the most exciting punting prospects in years. NFL teams knew exactly what they were getting – a player who could flip field position with his powerful leg and potentially change games with his punting alone.
The Buffalo Bills saw his potential and selected him in the 6th round as the 180th overall pick. For a punter, being drafted that early showed just how highly teams valued his unique abilities.
As he prepared for his rookie season, the expectations were sky-high. Fans and analysts alike wondered if the “Punt God” magic would translate to the professional level, where the speed and athleticism of returners present an entirely different challenge.
The Controversy and Its Aftermath
Just as Matt Araiza seemed ready to take the NFL by storm, his promising career took an unexpected and dramatic turn. What should have been his rookie season became a legal battle that would sideline him for nearly two years.
The Allegations and Release from the Bills
In August 2022, just as Matt Araiza was preparing for his first NFL season, serious allegations emerged that would change everything. A civil lawsuit was filed against him and two former San Diego State teammates, alleging their involvement in a gang rape incident involving a minor that allegedly occurred in 2021.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. Matt Araiza had just been drafted and was competing for the starting punter position with the Buffalo Bills. The allegations sent shockwaves through the organization and the broader NFL community.
The Bills acted swiftly. After conducting their own internal investigation, the team made the difficult decision to release Matt Araiza on August 27, 2022 – just days before the regular season began. General Manager Brandon Beane addressed the situation publicly, explaining that the organization felt it was the right decision given the circumstances.
It was a devastating blow for the young punter, who went from NFL rookie to unemployed in a matter of days. For more details on his release, you can refer to this Sporting News article on his release.
The Legal Outcome
While the court of public opinion moved quickly, the legal system took its time. Matt Araiza found himself in limbo, his NFL dreams on hold while the investigation unfolded.
The first major development came in December 2022, when the San Diego County District Attorney’s office announced they would not file criminal charges against Matt Araiza or his former teammates. This decision was reportedly based on evidence that contradicted the allegations, including time-stamped video footage that showed Matt Araiza was at a different location when the alleged incident occurred.
However, the civil lawsuit continued, keeping Matt Araiza in legal uncertainty. The young athlete maintained his innocence throughout the process, but the cloud of allegations made it nearly impossible for any NFL team to consider signing him.
Finally, in December 2023, the legal saga reached its conclusion. The civil lawsuit against Matt Araiza was mutually dropped by both parties, with neither side admitting wrongdoing. Additionally, a defamation lawsuit that Matt Araiza had filed against his accuser was also dropped as part of the overall resolution.
After more than a year away from football, Matt Araiza was finally free to pursue his NFL dreams once again. The legal nightmare was over, but the question remained: would any team be willing to give the former “Punt God” a second chance?
The Comeback: Matt Araiza’s Return to the NFL
After spending more than a year in football limbo, Matt Araiza found himself at a crossroads. The talented punter had gone from college stardom to NFL draft pick to unemployed in the span of months. But sometimes, the best comeback stories come from the darkest moments.
A Second Chance with the Kansas City Chiefs
The 2022 and 2023 seasons were a blur of uncertainty for Matt Araiza. While other players were suiting up for games, he was left wondering if his NFL dreams had vanished forever. He later admitted to going “back and forth” on whether his professional football career was truly over.
But talent has a way of being noticed, even in the shadows. The Kansas City Chiefs, a franchise known for taking calculated risks on players with untapped potential, came calling in February 2024. It was the lifeline Matt Araiza desperately needed.
The Chiefs approached the signing as what many called a “no-risk” contract. They could evaluate his abilities without major financial commitment, while he got the chance to prove he belonged in the NFL. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub expressed genuine excitement about bringing Matt Araiza aboard, recognizing the rare combination of power and precision he brought to the punting game.
This wasn’t just about football skills, though. It was about giving someone a second chance after they’d faced their lowest moment. Much like other athletes who’ve found their way back from adversity, Matt Araiza‘s story reminds us that setbacks don’t have to be permanent. For more inspiring stories of athletes making a comeback, you might enjoy reading about More on athletes making a comeback like Amanda Anisimova.
What has Matt Araiza said about his return?
When Matt Araiza first stepped back onto an NFL practice field, the emotions were overwhelming. He’s described the entire experience as “surreal” – the kind of moment you replay in your mind long after it happens. There were genuine moments during his time away when he “thought it was over” completely.
The gratitude in his voice is unmistakable when he talks about his return. His now-famous quote – “there is no other place I would rather be” – captures not just his feelings about Kansas City, but about getting a second chance at his NFL dream. You can hear the genuine emotion in his Chiefs.com press conference video.
Matt Araiza has been straightforward about maintaining his innocence regarding the past allegations. He’s expressed confidence that anyone who takes time to do their “own research” will reach a “clear conclusion” about his situation. But he’s not dwelling on the past – his focus is laser-sharp on football and making the most of this opportunity.
Performance and Future Prospects
The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Matt Araiza has not only secured the starting punter role with the Chiefs but has shown why the team was confident enough to enter training camp with him as their only punter.
His 2024 season numbers tell the story of a player who hasn’t missed a beat. With 62 punts averaging 48.8 yards and 25 punts placed inside the 20-yard line, he’s delivering the kind of field-flipping performance that can change games.
What makes Matt Araiza particularly effective is his left-footed punting style. He believes this gives him a distinct advantage because his punts “move more than other NFL punters.” This unusual ball movement can cause returners to misjudge catches and makes tracking the ball more difficult – exactly the kind of edge that wins games.
Rather than trying to show off with “fancy punts,” Matt Araiza focuses on power and consistency. It’s a mature approach from someone who’s learned that reliability often trumps flash in professional sports. His goal isn’t just to succeed this season, but to build a long-term future in Kansas City, much like Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, who recently secured a significant contract extension.
Matt Araiza talks about being part of what he calls the “Golden Age” of punting in the NFL. With his combination of power, precision, and hard-earned perspective, he’s positioned to be a key part of that evolution with the Chiefs for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about Matt Araiza
If you’ve been following Matt Araiza‘s remarkable journey from college sensation to NFL comeback story, you probably have some burning questions. Let’s explore the most common ones that fans and football enthusiasts ask about this talented punter.
Why was Matt Araiza called ‘Punt God’?
The nickname “Punt God” might sound dramatic, but when you look at Matt Araiza‘s 2021 college season, it’s easy to see why fans were so enthusiastic. During his record-breaking year at San Diego State, he absolutely dominated the punting game in ways that had never been seen before.
Matt Araiza set an NCAA record that season with a stunning 51.19-yard punting average. But it wasn’t just the consistency that caught everyone’s attention – it was those jaw-dropping, viral-worthy punts that sailed 70 and 80 yards down the field. Imagine watching a football fly through the air for what feels like forever, landing deep in opposing territory and completely flipping field position.
Social media exploded with videos of his monster punts, and fans started calling him “Punt God” as a way to capture just how otherworldly his leg strength seemed. While Matt Araiza himself has mentioned he doesn’t necessarily love the nickname, he recognizes it as a huge compliment to his abilities.
Was Matt Araiza ever criminally charged?
This is probably the most important question about Matt Araiza‘s recent history, and the answer is clear: No, he was never criminally charged.
After a thorough investigation, the San Diego County District Attorney’s office announced in December 2022 that no criminal charges would be filed against Matt Araiza or his former teammates. The investigation reportedly found evidence, including time-stamped video, that showed Matt Araiza was not present at the location where the alleged incident was supposed to have occurred.
The civil lawsuit that was filed against him was also dropped in December 2023, with both parties agreeing to the dismissal. This legal resolution was a crucial step in clearing the path for his return to professional football.
Which team does Matt Araiza play for now?
Matt Araiza is currently the starting punter for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he signed in February 2024. After spending more than a year out of the NFL following his release from the Buffalo Bills, the Chiefs gave him a second chance to prove himself at the professional level.
He’s acceptd this opportunity with incredible gratitude, describing his return to the NFL as “surreal” and stating that “there is no other place I would rather be.” During the 2024 season, he’s been performing well as the team’s primary punter, helping the Chiefs with his powerful leg and unique left-footed punting style that he believes gives him an advantage over other NFL punters.
The Chiefs’ decision to sign Matt Araiza has proven to be a smart move, giving them a talented specialist who brings both power and precision to their special teams unit.
Conclusion
What a journey it’s been for Matt Araiza. From the dusty fields of San Diego to the bright lights of Arrowhead Stadium, his story reads like something out of a sports movie – complete with record-breaking highs, devastating setbacks, and an inspiring comeback.
The young punter who once launched 80-yard bombs at San Diego State and earned the nickname “Punt God” has weathered one of the most challenging periods any athlete could face. The serious allegations that cut short his Buffalo Bills career could have ended everything. But sometimes, talent finds a way to shine through even the darkest storms.
Today, Matt Araiza is exactly where he says he wants to be – wearing Kansas City red and helping one of the NFL’s most successful franchises compete for championships. His 48.8-yard punting average and 25 punts inside the 20-yard line show that his legendary leg strength hasn’t diminished during his time away from the game.
His story reminds us that athletes are human beings dealing with complex challenges beyond what we see on game day. The legal resolution that cleared his name allowed him to pursue his passion again, and the Chiefs gave him that precious second chance.
As Matt Araiza continues building his career in Kansas City, his journey stands as proof that resilience and talent can overcome tremendous adversity. Whether you’re a football fan or simply someone who appreciates a good comeback story, his path from controversy to redemption is truly remarkable.
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