Punter Matt Araiza Signs with Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs
After a tumultuous journey, punter Matt Araiza is making a comeback in the NFL as he joins the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Drafted by the Bills in 2022, Araiza’s career took a downward turn when he was accused of participating in the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl. However, he was dropped from the lawsuit in December and dismissed his defamation countersuit against the girl. Prosecutors also declined to press charges against him later that year.
Araiza had been out of the NFL since his release from the Bills, but he reportedly had a tryout with the New York Jets last year. Now, he expresses his excitement to continue his NFL career with the Chiefs. In a statement shared by his agency, JL Sports, Araiza said, “I am proud and honored to sign a contract with the Chiefs. I want to thank my family, who have been my rock, and my many friends who have been unwavering in their support. I am excited to begin the next phase of my career with the Super Bowl Champs!”
JL Sports also commended Araiza for his resilience throughout the past 18 months, stating, “Matt has been to hell and back… He has handled himself with grace and humility that is truly inspiring. Matt can now move forward knowing that this ordeal is behind him.”
The Chiefs, known for their impressive performance, are aiming to make history by becoming the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. With Araiza joining their ranks, they are further strengthening their squad. The Chiefs already had punter Tommy Townsend, who delivered a first-team all-pro performance in 2022. Although Townsend’s statistical output dropped last season, he remained a reliable asset to the special teams unit that contributed to Kansas City’s Super Bowl victories. However, Townsend is set to become a free agent when the new league year begins next month.
Araiza, 23, gained recognition for his powerful kicks during his time at San Diego State University. His exceptional skills earned him the nickname “Punt God,” and he was awarded the prestigious 2021 Ray Guy Award as the best punter in the nation. Additionally, Araiza showcased his versatility by serving as a kicker for the Aztecs, boasting a success rate of over 73% on field goal attempts and accumulating 141 touchbacks on kickoffs.
It is important to note that two of Araiza’s former San Diego State teammates were also implicated in the lawsuit. The allegations claimed that Araiza met the girl outside a house hosting an off-campus party and took her to a room where she was raped by multiple men. Araiza vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that he had no knowledge of the girl’s age or level of intoxication. Documents that emerged last year revealed that prosecutors determined he had left the party before the alleged gang rape took place.
The Chiefs organization has yet to comment on Araiza’s addition to their official roster. However, JL Sports expressed their gratitude towards general manager Brett Veach, coach Andy Reid, and the entire Chiefs organization for giving Araiza this opportunity to revive his career.
With Araiza’s signing, the Chiefs are poised to continue their dominance in the NFL. As they strive for a historic third consecutive Super Bowl victory, they have added a talented and resilient player to their roster. The road to redemption has not been easy for Araiza, but with the support of his family, friends, and now the Chiefs organization, he is ready to embark on the next chapter of his NFL journey.
