Former Buffalo Bills Punter Matt Araiza has made a triumphant return to the NFL, signing a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. After being embroiled in a highly publicized alleged gang rape case, Araiza has been cleared of all charges, allowing him to pursue his football career once again.
Araiza’s agency, JL Sports, made the announcement on Thursday, expressing their gratitude to the Chiefs organization for giving Araiza this opportunity. They also commended Araiza for his resilience and grace throughout the ordeal, stating that he can now move forward knowing that this chapter of his life is behind him.
The 23-year-old punter’s journey has been a rollercoaster ride over the past 18 months. The Buffalo Bills selected Araiza in the sixth round of the 2022 draft from San Diego State. However, just before the team’s final preseason game in August, Araiza was released following accusations of sexually assaulting a minor alongside two former San Diego State teammates.
The Bills faced significant backlash for signing Araiza despite being aware of the alleged incident. However, it was later revealed that the San Diego Police had conducted a thorough investigation into the case for almost 10 months before forwarding it to the district attorney without a recommendation for prosecution. In fact, a lengthy transcript obtained by Yahoo Sports showed that prosecutors found Araiza was not present during the alleged gang rape.
After enduring over a year of uncertainty and waiting for a second chance in the league, Araiza expressed his gratitude to his family and friends for their unwavering support. He stated that he is proud and honored to sign with the Chiefs and is excited to begin the next phase of his career with the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Prior to his release from the Bills, Araiza had shown great promise, building on his successful college career with the Aztecs. Known as the “Punt God,” he set an NCAA record in his senior season with an impressive 51.2-yard punting average. Araiza’s skills were on full display during the preseason when he unleashed an 82-yard punt for the Bills, solidifying his position as their starting punter.
While the New York Jets had shown interest in Araiza, hosting him for a workout last May, it was the Chiefs who ultimately secured his signature. With veteran punter Tommy Townsend set for free agency next month, the Chiefs saw the opportunity to bolster their special teams unit with Araiza’s talent and potential.
As Araiza embarks on this new chapter of his NFL career, he serves as an inspiration to others for his resilience and ability to overcome adversity. With the support of his family, friends, and now the Chiefs organization, Araiza is ready to make his mark in the league once again. The future looks bright for this talented punter, and football fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as he takes the field for the Kansas City Chiefs.