Matt Prater

Record-setting kicker who booted the longest field goal in NFL history (64 yards) and holds the career mark for 50+ yard field goals.

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Matthew Phillip Prater (born August 10, 1984) is an American professional football placekicker. Regarded as one of the best long-distance kickers in NFL history, he held the NFL record for longest field goal (64 yards) from 2013 until 2021 and holds the NFL record for most 50+ yard field goals in a career with 83. Prater is 13th in NFL history in field goals made, with 425, and has the second most field goals made by an active NFL player, six shy of Nick Folk's 431. He played college football for the UCF Knights, and was originally signed by the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He was cut by the Denver Broncos after completing a suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Quick Facts

Position: Placekicker
Born: 10 August 1984
Birthplace: Mayfield Heights, Ohio, U.S.
High school: Estero (Estero, Florida)
College: UCF (2002–2005)

Lore & Background

Prater attended Estero High School in Estero, Florida. He transferred to Estero High School his sophomore year from Cypress Lake High School. He played college football for UCF from 2002 to 2005. He was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent on May 4, 2006, but was released August 27. He then signed with the Miami Dolphins on January 11, 2007, and was released August 27. He then signed with the Atlanta Falcons and was cut on September 18, 2007. The Dolphins signed him to their practice squad on November 15, 2007. The Denver Broncos signed Prater off the Dolphins' practice squad on December 19, 2007.

Reader's Guide

Prater became the starting kicker for the Denver Broncos in 2008, replacing Jason Elam. He was re-signed by the Broncos multiple times, including a four-year contract on July 2, 2012. He set the NFL record for longest field goal (64 yards) on December 8, 2013, against the Tennessee Titans. He also set an NFL record for extra points in a single season with 75 in 2013. He appeared in Super Bowl XLVIII, a 43–8 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He began the 2014 season with a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy and was released by the Broncos on October 3, 2014.

Did You Know?

Prater kicked a 59-yard field goal to tie and a 51-yard field goal to win in overtime against the Chicago Bears on December 11, 2011.
He made a 56-yard field goal on September 28, 2008, which was the third longest field goal in team history and the longest away from Denver.
Prater was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week multiple times, including Week 5 of 2008, Week 12 of 2009, and Week 14 of 2011.