Matthew Ryan Araiza Bio
Matthew Ryan Araiza is an American professional football punter for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs, setting the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) season record for average punt yardage as a junior. Araiza entered the NFL as a sixth-round selection by the Buffalo Bills in the 2022 NFL Draft but was released prior to the 2022 season after being accused in a lawsuit of gang rape. The San Diego County District Attorney declined to press criminal charges against him.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Ryan Araiza was born on May 16, 2000, in San Diego, California. He grew up in a family of Mexican descent through his father, who was born in Mexico. Araiza attended Rancho Bernardo High School, where he excelled in football, soccer, and track and field. He made 37 field goals during his high school career and was recognized as a two-time All-America selection as a placekicker. His impressive performance led him to commit to play college football at San Diego State University over offers from other schools.
Path to American Football
At San Diego State University, Matthew Araiza was redshirted during his true freshman season. He served as the backup to All-Mountain West Conference kicker John Baron II. As a redshirt freshman, Araiza became the team’s placekicker and made a school-record 22 field goals on 26 attempts, earning honorable mention All-Mountain West honors. In the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, he continued to impress by making 10 of 14 field goal attempts and averaging 49.8 yards on five punts in his first game as a punter. By 2021, he was named the first-string punter and finished the season averaging 51.19 yards per punt, breaking the NCAA record for average punt yardage. This earned him the nickname “Punt God” and led to several accolades, including the Ray Guy Award and unanimous All-American status.
Matthew Ryan Araiza Career
Early Career (2022)
Matthew Araiza was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, becoming the third punter selected that year. He was named the Bills’ starting punter after the release of veteran Matt Haack. However, his career took a significant turn when a lawsuit accusing him and two former teammates of gang rape became public just before the final preseason game. As a result, Araiza was released by the Bills on August 27, 2022.
Breakthrough (2024-Present)
After being released by the Buffalo Bills, Araiza signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on February 22, 2024. In his first year with the Chiefs, he was selected as an alternate for the 2025 Pro Bowl. Araiza made a notable impact during Super Bowl LIX, where he punted six times for an average of 51.8 yards, setting a new Super Bowl record despite the Chiefs losing to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Notable Works and Milestones
Matthew Araiza’s signature work includes his record-setting performance during his college career, where he earned multiple accolades, including the Ray Guy Award in 2021. His transition to the NFL has also been marked by significant milestones, including his record-setting performance in Super Bowl LIX.
Matthew Ryan Araiza Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Matthew Araiza has received several nominations for his outstanding performances, particularly during his time at San Diego State University, where he was recognized as a top punter in the nation.
Matthew Ryan Araiza Awards Won
Matthew Araiza has won several prestigious awards, including the Ray Guy Award in 2021, which recognizes the top punter in college football. He was also named a unanimous All-American in the same year, highlighting his exceptional talent and performance on the field.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Guy Award | 1 | 2021 |
| Unanimous All-American | 1 | 2021 |
| MW Special Teams Player of the Year | 1 | 2021 |
| First-team All-MW | 1 | 2021 |
Matthew Ryan Araiza Family
Information regarding Matthew Araiza’s family is limited, but he is of Mexican descent through his father.
Personal Life
Details about Matthew Araiza’s personal life are not extensively documented. He has faced legal challenges, including a lawsuit related to serious allegations, which he has denied. In December 2023, Araiza and his accuser mutually agreed to drop their respective lawsuits against each other, with neither party admitting wrongdoing.
