Brief Introduction of Matt Prater
Matthew Phillip Prater is a highly accomplished American football placekicker, renowned for his powerful leg and remarkable accuracy from long distances. Throughout his extensive career in the National Football League (NFL), Prater has established himself as one of the most reliable kickers, particularly in high-pressure situations. He is widely recognized for previously holding the NFL record for the longest field goal—a stunning 64-yarder—and currently holds the record for the most 50+ yard field goals in league history. His longevity and consistent performance have made him a valuable asset to every team he has played for.
Matt Prater Overview
| Full Name | Matthew Phillip Prater |
| Date of Birth | August 10, 1984 |
| Birthplace | Mayfield Heights, Ohio, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 175 lb (79 kg) |
| Profession | Professional Football Placekicker |
| Current Team | Buffalo Bills |
| Spouse | Kati Prater (m. 2015) |
| Children | 4 (Ava, Pax, Elle, Kit) |
| Net Worth (2025 estimate) | Approximately $14 million |
Early Life and Education of Matt Prater
Matthew Phillip Prater was born on August 10, 1984, in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, to John and Stacy Prater. He attended Estero High School in Estero, Florida, where his athletic talents began to shine. In high school, Prater was a standout football player, converting 56 of 58 extra point attempts and making 14 field goals, one of which was from 49 yards out. His powerful leg was evident even then, as 84% of his kickoffs resulted in touchbacks. After graduating in 2002, Prater continued his education and football career at the University of Central Florida (UCF).
College Career
At UCF, Prater played for the Knights from 2002 to 2005, handling both placekicking and punting duties. He quickly made a name for himself with his impressive leg strength, successfully converting a 53-yard field goal in his first collegiate game against Penn State. During his sophomore year, he led the nation in punting. By the end of his college career, Prater had tied the school record for most field goals made with 50 and ranked fourth in the school’s all-time scoring list with 258 points.
Matt Prater’s Career
Matt Prater’s journey in the NFL began when he was signed as an undrafted free agent. His career has been marked by stints with several teams, record-breaking performances, and a reputation as a clutch kicker.
Early Career and Rise with the Denver Broncos
After going undrafted in the 2006 NFL Draft, Prater had brief spells with the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Atlanta Falcons. He found a more permanent home with the Denver Broncos in 2007, where he would eventually become one of the league’s elite kickers. A pivotal moment in his career came on December 8, 2013, when he set a new NFL record for the longest field goal by successfully kicking a 64-yarder against the Tennessee Titans. This record stood for nearly eight years. During his time with the Broncos, he also earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2013.
Success with the Detroit Lions
In 2014, Prater joined the Detroit Lions, where he continued to showcase his long-range kicking prowess. He set a franchise record for the longest field goal with a 59-yarder. With the Lions, he also set NFL records for the most consecutive field goals made from 50+ yards and 55+ yards. His consistent and clutch performances made him a fan favorite in Detroit, where he played until 2020.
Arizona Cardinals and Beyond
Prater signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2021, proving that his leg strength and accuracy had not diminished with age. In his first season with the Cardinals, he set a new franchise record with a 62-yard field goal. He continued to be a reliable scoring threat for the team. Most recently, Prater joined the Buffalo Bills, continuing his remarkable career.
Matt Prater Personal Life & Family
Beyond the football field, Matt Prater is a dedicated family man. He is married to Kati Prater, with whom he tied the knot on April 15, 2015. The couple has four children: daughters Ava, Elle, and Kit, and a son named Pax. The family is often seen supporting him at his games. Prater has spoken about the importance of his family and enjoys spending his off-seasons with them, even coaching his son’s youth football team.
Awards and Achievements of Matt Prater
- 2x Pro Bowl selection (2013, 2016)
- Second-team All-Pro (2013)
- NFL record for most 50+ yard field goals in a career
- Former NFL record holder for the longest field goal (64 yards)
- Multiple AFC and NFC Special Teams Player of the Week awards
Matt Prater Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Matt Prater’s net worth is estimated to be around $14 million. His primary source of income has been his long and successful career in the NFL. Throughout his career, he has signed several multi-million dollar contracts with various teams, reflecting his value as a top-tier kicker. His career earnings from his NFL salaries and bonuses are estimated to be over $40 million.
Legacy and Influence
Matt Prater’s legacy in the NFL is firmly cemented as one of the greatest long-distance kickers in the history of the sport. His ability to consistently convert field goals from 50 yards and beyond has changed the way teams approach the end of halves and games. He has demonstrated remarkable longevity in a physically demanding sport, continuing to perform at a high level well into his late 30s and early 40s. His clutch performances under pressure have earned him the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
Interesting Facts about Matt Prater
- He is the oldest active player in the NFL.
- He holds the franchise record for the longest field goal for three different teams: the Denver Broncos (64 yards), Detroit Lions (59 yards), and Arizona Cardinals (62 yards).
- Before signing with the Buffalo Bills, he was coaching his son’s youth football team.
- In addition to his football career, he and his wife own a business together.
Controversies
In 2014, Matt Prater was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The suspension stemmed from a DUI arrest in 2011. Prater has since spoken about the incident and has maintained a clean record.
Social Media Presence
Matt Prater maintains a presence on social media, where he shares glimpses into his professional and personal life. His wife, Kati Prater, is also active online and often posts about their family and her support for his career.
| Platform | Handle |
| @prater5 | |
| Twitter (X) | @MattPrater_5 |
Final Words about Matt Prater
Matt Prater’s career is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and exceptional talent. From an undrafted free agent to a record-breaking NFL veteran, his journey is one of perseverance. As he continues his career with the Buffalo Bills, he remains a significant force on special teams, capable of changing the outcome of a game with a single swing of his powerful leg. His legacy as a clutch, long-distance kicker is secure, and he continues to inspire with his longevity and passion for the game.
