Matt Gay Bio
Matt Gay (born March 15, 1994) is an American professional football placekicker. He played college football for the Utah Utes and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL draft. Gay has also played for the Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, and San Francisco 49ers.
Early Life and Background
Matt Gay was born on March 15, 1994, in Orem, Utah. He played soccer and football at Orem High School, earning first-team honors in both sports. Gay was the first player from Utah to attend the U-17 USA Men’s National Team residency program. After graduating in 2012, Gay played two seasons of soccer for the Utah Valley Wolverines. He later transitioned to football, which would define his professional career.
Path to American Football
In 2017, Gay transferred to the Utah Utes football team as a walk-on, becoming the school’s seventh consensus All-American. He also won the 2017 Lou Groza Award, being the first Ute to win the award and the school’s second-ever finalist. That season, he led the nation in field goals and set a new Pac-12 Conference record with 30 field goals. In 2018, Gay set school records for consecutive field goals and field goals in a game, receiving first-team All-Pac-12 honors.
Matt Gay Career
Early Career (2019)
Matt Gay was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round (145th overall) of the 2019 NFL draft. He made his professional debut in the Buccaneers’ regular season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, converting two extra points and one field goal in the loss. However, his time with the Buccaneers was short-lived, as he was waived on September 5, 2020.
Breakthrough (2020-2022)
On November 17, 2020, Gay was signed off the Colts’ practice squad by the Los Angeles Rams to replace injured kicker Kai Forbath. During Week 11 against his former team, the Buccaneers, Gay was a perfect 3 for 3 on extra point attempts and made two of his three field goal attempts, including the game winner late in the fourth quarter, in the 27–24 victory. In 2021, Gay converted 32 of 34 field goal attempts and 48 of 49 points after touchdown, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. He played a crucial role in the Rams’ playoff run, including a game-winning field goal against the Buccaneers that sent the Rams to the NFC Championship Game. Gay won his first Super Bowl title when the Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI, converting a 41-yard field goal in the third quarter.
Notable Works and Milestones
Matt Gay’s signature work includes his performance during the 2021 season, where he was named to the Pro Bowl and contributed significantly to the Rams’ Super Bowl victory. He has also set records for field goals made and attempted during his career.
Matt Gay Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Matt Gay has received several nominations, including for the Lou Groza Award and Pro Bowl selections.
Matt Gay Awards Won
Matt Gay has won multiple awards, including the Lou Groza Award in 2017, the Vlade Award in 2017, and he was named a Consensus All-American in the same year. He was also a two-time first-team All-Pac-12 selection in 2017 and 2018, and he won a Super Bowl title with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.
Matt Gay Family
Matt Gay is married to Millie, and they have three children: Oliver, Oaks, and Cosette. His family life is an important aspect of his personal identity.
Personal Life
Matt Gay is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission in Houston, although it was cut short due to depression. He honors his late high school teammate Parker Overly by wearing the initials “P.O.” on a wristband during games.
