Brief Introduction of Matt Gay
Matt Gay is an accomplished American football placekicker who is currently a prominent player for the Washington Commanders in the National Football League (NFL). His journey to professional football is unique, having first excelled in collegiate soccer before transitioning to football. Gay quickly made a name for himself at the University of Utah, where he won the prestigious Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top collegiate kicker. Since entering the NFL, he has become known for his powerful leg and accuracy, earning a Super Bowl championship with the Los Angeles Rams and a Pro Bowl selection.
Matt Gay Overview
| Full Name | Matthew Gay |
| Date of Birth | March 15, 1994 |
| Birthplace | Orem, Utah, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 232 lb (105 kg) |
| Profession | Professional Football Placekicker |
| Current Team | Washington Commanders |
| Family | John and Suzy Gay (Parents), Millie Gay (Wife), Oliver, Oaks, and Cosette (Children) |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $5 million |
Early Life and Education of Matt Gay
Born on March 15, 1994, in Orem, Utah, Matt Gay was raised by his parents, John and Suzy Gay. Growing up in a large family as the youngest of eight children, with five brothers and two sisters, he was instilled with a competitive and resilient spirit from a young age. Gay attended Orem High School, where he was a standout athlete in both soccer and football, earning first-team all-region honors in both sports. His prowess in soccer was particularly notable, as he was a three-time all-state player. In fact, he was the first player from Utah to be invited to the U-17 USA Men’s National Team residency program, a testament to his exceptional talent on the soccer field.
Collegiate Journey
After graduating from high school in 2012, Gay initially pursued a collegiate soccer career at Utah Valley University. He played as a forward for the Wolverines for two seasons, from 2014 to 2016, where he was a key offensive player, even earning a WAC Player of the Week honor in 2014. However, feeling that his professional soccer aspirations were not materializing as he had hoped, Gay made the pivotal decision to switch to football.
He joined the University of Utah football team as a walk-on in 2017. His impact was immediate and profound. In his first season, he won the coveted Lou Groza Award as the nation’s best collegiate placekicker and was recognized as a consensus All-American. He led the nation in field goals made and set a new Pac-12 Conference record with 30 field goals in a single season. His collegiate career was marked by numerous school records, including consecutive field goals and most 50-yard field goals.
Matt Gay’s Career
Matt Gay’s professional football journey began when he was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he set several franchise records for a rookie kicker. Following his time with the Buccaneers, he had a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad before being signed by the Los Angeles Rams in November 2020.
It was with the Rams that Gay’s career reached new heights. In 2021, he had a stellar season, converting 32 of 34 field goal attempts and earning his first Pro Bowl selection. That same season, he played a crucial role in the Rams’ postseason run, which culminated in a victory in Super Bowl LVI.
In March 2023, Gay signed a significant four-year, $22.5 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts, which at the time was the largest for a free-agent kicker in NFL history. During his second stint with the Colts, he made history in a game against the Baltimore Ravens by becoming the first kicker in NFL history to successfully convert four field goals of 50 or more yards in a single game.
Despite his success, Gay was released by the Colts in April 2025. He quickly found a new home, signing a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders.
Matt Gay Personal Life & Family
Matt Gay is married to Millie Gay (formerly Munday). The couple has three children: two sons, Oliver (born in 2019) and Oaks (born in 2022), and a daughter, Cosette (born in 2024). Gay is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission in Houston, Texas, which was shortened due to his struggles with depression. He often honors his late high school teammate, Parker Overly, by wearing the initials “P.O.” on a wristband during games.
Awards and Achievements of Matt Gay
- Super Bowl champion (LVI)
- Pro Bowl (2021)
- Lou Groza Award (2017)
- Vlade Award (2017)
- Consensus All-American (2017)
- 2× First-team All-Pac-12 (2017, 2018)
- NFL record for most 50+ yard field goals in a game: 4
Matt Gay Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Matt Gay’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. His primary source of income is his salary from his NFL contracts. In March 2023, he signed a landmark four-year, $22.5 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts. More recently, in April 2025, he signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders worth over $4.25 million fully guaranteed.
Legacy and Influence
Matt Gay’s journey from a collegiate soccer player to a Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowl kicker in the NFL is a story of perseverance and adaptability. His success serves as an inspiration to athletes who may be considering a transition between sports. He has demonstrated that with dedication and a strong work ethic, it is possible to reach the pinnacle of a sport that was not one’s initial focus. In the NFL, he has established himself as one of the league’s most reliable and powerful kickers, particularly from long range.
Interesting Facts about Matt Gay
- He was a talented soccer player before switching to football and was the first player from Utah to participate in the U-17 USA Men’s National Team residency program.
- He won the Lou Groza Award in his very first season of playing college football.
- He holds the NFL record for the most field goals of 50 or more yards in a single game, with four.
- He is the youngest of eight children.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle |
| @mgay16 | |
| X (formerly Twitter) | @MGtweetymonster |
Final Words about Matt Gay
Matt Gay’s career is a testament to his resilience and athletic versatility. From his early days as a promising soccer talent to becoming a Super Bowl-winning kicker, he has consistently defied expectations. Now with the Washington Commanders, he continues to be a formidable force on special teams. His journey underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and the potential for success that lies in unexpected paths. As he continues his NFL career, Matt Gay’s powerful leg and clutch performances will undoubtedly continue to make headlines.
