Matt Prater, currently the place kicker for the Arizona Cardinals, has made a significant impact in the NFL with his exceptional skills. Notably, Prater holds the record for the longest field goal in NFL history, a remarkable 64-yard kick achieved during his time with the Denver Broncos. This achievement underscores his precision and strength, making him a valuable asset to the Cardinals.
A key figure in Arizona’s special teams, Prater has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure. With teammates like wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and tight end Trey McBride, the Cardinals have a robust lineup that enhances their competitive edge.
Prater’s contribution isn’t just about his long field goals; his reliability and experience bring a stabilizing presence to the team.
Fans and analysts are often interested in Prater’s net worth, reflecting his successful career and the lucrative contracts he’s earned. His financial success mirrors his professional achievements, adding an intriguing angle for those following his journey.
Whether you’re a die-hard Cardinals fan or a general sports enthusiast, there’s no denying Matt Prater’s influential role in the NFL.
Who Is Matt Prater?
Matt Prater is a veteran NFL kicker known for his strong leg and remarkable field goal accuracy. He has made significant contributions to his teams over the years, working with the Arizona Cardinals.
Where Did Matt Prater Grow Up?
Matt Prater was born in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, on August 10, 1984. He grew up in the town, spending most of his childhood there.
This suburb of Cleveland provided him the early environment where he developed his love for football. His early years in Ohio played a crucial role in shaping his sports career. The football culture in the area was vibrant, giving him ample opportunities to hone his skills from a young age.
Matt Prater’s High School Career
Matt Prater attended Estero High School in Estero, Florida, after moving from Ohio. During his high school years, he played both football and soccer.
His kicking ability was evident as he often stepped in as the star kicker for the football team. His impressive performances in high school earned him recognition and paved the way for his college football journey. His soccer background also helped improve his powerful and accurate kicking style.
Where Does Matt Prater Live?
Matt Prater currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona. Living close to where he plays for the Arizona Cardinals makes it convenient for his professional life.
Scottsdale offers a nice balance of work and personal life, providing various amenities and a pleasant climate. His residence in Arizona reflects his commitment to his current team, ensuring he maintains peak performance year-round.
Who Is Matt Prater Married To?
Matt Prater is married to Kelly Prater. The couple has maintained a relatively private life, but they are known to be supportive of each other.
Kelly has often been seen cheering Matt on during his games. Their strong relationship has been a cornerstone for Matt, providing stability and support throughout his NFL career.
Does Matt Prater Have Children?
Yes, Matt Prater and Kelly Prater have children. They are parents to two kids, a son named Paxson and a daughter named Tinlee.
His role as a father is very important to him, and he often speaks about how his family keeps him grounded and motivated. Balancing his demanding NFL career with family life has been significant for Prater.
What Controversies Have Surrounded Matt Prater?
Matt Prater has faced a few controversies during his career. Most notably, he was suspended for four games in 2014 for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
This incident was related to alcohol use, which he later addressed openly. Despite the setback, he worked hard to regain his standing in the NFL, demonstrating personal growth and professional resilience.
Has Matt Prater Ever Been Arrested?
Matt Prater was arrested in 2011 for driving under the influence (DUI) in Denver, Colorado. This incident was a significant challenge in his life and career.
He took steps to address his issues off the field, including undergoing treatment. Prater’s candidness about his arrest and efforts to improve have earned him respect among fans and teammates.
Matt Prater Social Media Presence
Matt Prater maintains a low-profile social media presence. He often shares updates about his career and personal life on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
His Instagram account features posts about his family, team successes, and occasionally his hobbies. Prater’s engagement on social media provides a more personal glimpse into his life beyond the football field.
Matt Prater’s Off-Field Interests And Hobbies
Off the field, Matt Prater enjoys various hobbies. He is an avid golfer and often spends his off-time playing golf courses in Arizona.
Additionally, he likes to go on family outings and engage in community activities. These interests allow him to relax and connect with people outside the NFL, contributing to a well-rounded and balanced lifestyle.
Matt Prater College Football Career
Matt Prater had a notable college football career before making a name for himself in the NFL. This section explores key aspects of his time as a college athlete, including his school, awards, bowl games, and involvement with his alma mater.
Where Did Matt Prater Play College Football?
Matt Prater played college football at the University of Central Florida (UCF).
At UCF, he was a standout kicker known for his impressive leg strength and accuracy. His performance on the field earned him recognition and set the stage for his future career in professional football.
During his time at UCF, he contributed significantly to the team’s scoring efforts, solidifying his reputation as a reliable kicker.
What Awards Did Matt Prater Accomplish In College Football?
Matt Prater received several awards and recognitions during his college football career.
He was named to the All-Conference USA Second Team, showcasing his talent among the best players in the conference. Additionally, Prater led Conference USA in field goals made, displaying his consistency and skill under pressure.
His college career was marked by several game-winning kicks, further underlining his clutch performance.
What Bowl Games Did Matt Prater Win In College Football?
Matt Prater and his team did not win any major bowl games during his tenure at UCF.
Despite the lack of significant postseason success, he still had memorable moments in various regular-season games. His performance in these games left a lasting impression on both fans and scouts, contributing to his eventual transition to the NFL.
Did Matt Prater Receive NIL Money?
Matt Prater played college football before the NCAA’s NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules were established.
During his college years, athletes could not receive compensation for endorsements or any commercial use of their name or image. Thus, Prater did not benefit from NIL agreements while at UCF. Current athletes, however, now have these opportunities, which significantly impact their college experience.
Did Matt Prater Use The Transfer Portal?
Matt Prater did not use the transfer portal during his college football career.
He remained with UCF throughout his time as a college athlete. His loyalty to the team and consistent performance helped build a strong foundation for his future success in professional football, showing his commitment and resilience.
Is Matt Prater Still Involved With Their College?
Matt Prater remains connected to the University of Central Florida.
He occasionally participates in events and activities related to the university, supporting current athletes and programs. His ongoing involvement with his alma mater demonstrates his appreciation for the institution that played a significant role in his development as a football player.
Similar Active College Athletes To Matt Prater
Several active college athletes share similarities with Matt Prater, especially in terms of their kicking abilities and career trajectories.
Players such as Evan McPherson and Rodrigo Blankenship have shown similar promise in the NCAA, with strong performances and potential for successful NFL careers. These athletes have garnered attention for their accuracy and leg strength, much like Prater during his college days.
Matt Prater’s Draft Combine Performance
Matt Prater’s draft combine performance was noteworthy and contributed to his entry into the NFL.
Known for his strong leg, Prater impressed scouts with his distance kicking abilities. Although not selected in the NFL Draft, his combine performance helped him secure a spot with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent. His successful transition to the NFL underscores the importance of a strong combine showing.
Matt Prater Professional Football Career
Matt Prater is a well-known NFL kicker noted for his powerful leg and clutch performances. He has played for several teams and achieved numerous records throughout his career.
What Teams Has Matt Prater Played For In The NFL?
Matt Prater started his NFL journey with the Atlanta Falcons in 2007. After a brief stint, he moved to the Denver Broncos, where he gained prominence. In 2014, Prater joined the Detroit Lions and played there until 2020. Since 2021, he has been the Arizona Cardinals‘ kicker. His experience and skills have made significant impacts on each team.
What Awards Has Matt Prater Won In The NFL?
Prater has been honored multiple times in his career. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection (2013 and 2016). Additionally, he earned numerous NFC Special Teams Player of the Week and Month awards. His 64-yard field goal while with the Broncos broke records and showcased his ability to perform under pressure.
How Has Matt Prater Performed In The Playoffs?
Throughout his career, Prater has performed admirably in the playoffs. Notably, he has been part of several crucial games, including a memorable wild card matchup where his field goals contributed significantly. His success rate in high-stakes situations has set him apart as a reliable postseason kicker.
Has Matt Prater Won A Super Bowl?
Despite being a standout kicker, Prater has not won a Super Bowl. His closest brush with the title came during his tenure with the Denver Broncos. While his individual performances have been stellar, team success in the Super Bowl has eluded him.
What Playing Style Is Matt Prater Known For?
Prater is known for his powerful leg, consistently making field goals from 50+ yards. His 62-yard field goal ranks as one of the longest in regular season history. His accuracy under pressure, especially in game-winning situations, has made him a valuable asset to the Cardinals.
Matt Prater Injury History
Prater’s career has been relatively injury-free, which is noteworthy for a player with such a long career. Minor injuries and normal wear have affected him, but he has generally maintained his health and performance levels. This durability has contributed to his ongoing success as a kicker.
Similar Pro Athletes To Matt Prater
Prater shares similarities with other renowned kickers like Sebastian Janikowski and Justin Tucker. Like them, he is known for his long-range field goal abilities and consistency. These players have set high standards for kickers in the NFL, creating a benchmark that Prater continues to meet and exceed.
Will Matt Prater Make The Hall Of Fame?
Given his achievements, Prater has a strong case for Hall of Fame consideration. His multiple records, awards, and long career demonstrate the impact he has had on the game. Fans and analysts alike may see him among the greats, potentially earning a spot among NFL legends.
Future Prospects For Matt Prater
Matt Prater has had a remarkable career as a kicker, but fans and analysts are curious about his future interests and plans. This section explores several potential paths for him after he retires from the NFL.
Does Matt Prater Want To Coach Football?
Matt Prater might consider coaching after his playing career. With his 18 years of NFL experience, he has a wealth of knowledge about the game, especially in special teams and kicking.
Coaching could allow him to pass on his skills to younger players. While there are no confirmed reports of his interest in coaching, his extensive career suggests he could be valuable in this role.
His past teammates and coaches have often spoken of his leadership qualities, which are crucial for any coaching position.
Does Matt Prater Want To Go Into Broadcasting?
Another avenue for Matt Prater could be sports broadcasting. Many former players transition to media roles, providing expert insights during games and sports shows.
Prater’s deep understanding of football and his comfortable speaking style make him a good fit for broadcasting. While no official statements have been made by Prater about this career path, it’s a common choice for retired athletes.
Broadcasting would allow him to stay connected to the sport he loves and reach a broad audience of football fans.
Does Matt Prater Do Speaking Engagements?
Matt Prater is likely to be a sought-after speaker for events. Athletes with long careers often share their experiences and lessons learned in motivational talks.
These engagements can range from corporate events to schools and sports clinics. Although specific details on his speaking engagements are scarce, his reputation and career achievements suggest that he could excel in this area.
Motivational speaking could also be a source of income and a way to inspire a new generation.
Does Matt Prater Have A Podcast?
Podcasts have become a popular medium for athletes to express their views and share stories. Matt Prater might consider starting a podcast to discuss his experiences in the NFL, offer kicking tips, or talk about current events in football.
Starting a podcast would allow him to engage with fans on a regular basis. There is no information confirming a podcast from Prater, but it is a feasible option for someone with his background and knowledge.
Does Matt Prater Run A Football Camp?
Running a football camp is another potential venture for Prater. Many NFL veterans start camps to help young athletes improve their skills.
Prater’s expertise in kicking makes him uniquely qualified to run specialized training camps. Such camps would provide a platform for him to teach precision and technique to budding kickers.
Although there are no current camps run by Prater, this could be a practical way for him to stay involved with the sport and help young players.
Does Matt Prater Run A Foundation?
Philanthropy is another area where Prater could focus his efforts. Establishing a foundation would allow him to give back to the community and support causes he cares about.
Many athletes start foundations to fundraise for youth sports programs, health initiatives, and educational scholarships. As of now, there is no public information about a foundation run by Matt Prater.
However, given his career success and network, starting one could positively impact many lives and leave a lasting legacy.
Matt Prater’s Contract And Business Venture Information
Matt Prater, currently a kicker for the Arizona Cardinals, has a detailed contract and several business interests. This section provides an overview of his contract details, incentives, endorsements, and business ventures.
Matt Prater’s Current Contract Details
Matt Prater is signed with the Arizona Cardinals under a two-year contract worth $7,500,000. This contract includes a $2,500,000 signing bonus and $4,000,000 guaranteed.
His average annual salary is $3,750,000. In 2024, Prater will earn a base salary of $3,500,000. The cap hit for the team stands at $4,750,000, with a dead cap value of $1,250,000. For more details, visit Matt Prater’s Spotrac page.
What Are Matt Prater’s Current Contract Incentives?
Prater’s current contract includes performance-based incentives. He can earn up to an additional $1,000,000 based on his performance metrics like field goals made and overall team success.
These incentives are designed to motivate him to maintain high performance levels throughout the season. Specific details of the metrics are outlined in his contract accessible at Over the Cap.
What Endorsements Does Matt Prater Have?
Matt Prater has several endorsement deals. He represents brands mainly focused on sports equipment and athletic wear.
Prater endorses a well-known sports footwear company and has appeared in advertising campaigns for nutritional supplements. These endorsements not only supplement his NFL income but also increase his visibility off the field, adding to his overall earnings.
What Are Matt Prater’s Business Ventures?
Outside of football, Prater is involved in various business ventures. He has invested in several local businesses in Arizona, including a chain of fitness centers.
Prater also has a stake in a nutritional supplement company, leveraging his athletic background to promote healthy living. These ventures demonstrate his interest in expanding his career beyond the NFL.
Matt Prater’s Net Worth
Matt Prater, known for his powerful and accurate kicking in the NFL, has built a prosperous career. As of 2024, Prater’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million.
His earnings come from various sources. He recently signed a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals, valued at $7.5 million. This contract includes a $2.5 million signing bonus and $4 million guaranteed.
Prater will earn a base salary of $3.5 million in 2024. His career field goals and successful extra points have significantly contributed to his wealth. He is a prominent figure on the all-time scoring list, demonstrating his importance as a player.
As one of the active players, Prater’s net worth reflects not only his salary but also endorsements and other ventures. His records, including the longest field goals and career points, further solidify his valuable presence in the NFL.