Matt Prater: Complete Career Profile, Records, and Technical Analysis

Matt Prater is recognized as one of the most powerful and statistically significant placekickers in National Football League history. His career is defined by long-distance accuracy, record-setting kicks, and sustained performance across multiple franchises. This document presents a comprehensive, original, and deeply structured analysis of Matt Prater, designed for maximum search visibility, factual clarity, and entity-based relevance.

Professional Overview of Matt Prater

Matt Prater is an American professional football placekicker associated with the NFL. He is known for elite leg strength, high conversion rates from long range, and historical records that reshaped expectations for special teams scoring.

Matt Prater operates primarily as a field goal and extra-point specialist. His role centers on point generation, field position leverage, and end of half or end of game scoring efficiency.

Biographical and Physical Attributes

Matt Prater was born on August 10, 1984, in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. He developed as a specialist kicker rather than a multi-position athlete, which influenced his technical consistency and career longevity.

Core attributes include:

• Height: 5 feet 10 inches

• Weight: Approximately 175 pounds

• Dominant kicking foot: Right

• Position specialization: Placekicker

His physical profile emphasizes torque generation, balance control, and lower-body kinetic sequencing rather than size-based power.

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Collegiate Development and Skill Formation

Matt Prater played college football at the University of Central Florida. His collegiate tenure focused on mechanical repeatability, distance training, and pressure-based situational kicking.

Key developmental outcomes included:

• Expansion of effective range beyond 50 yards

• High extra-point conversion stability

• Refined approach-step geometry

College performance established his reputation as a distance-capable specialist rather than a short-range accuracy kicker alone.

NFL Career Timeline and Team Associations

Matt Prater entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2007. His professional career spans multiple franchises and competitive environments.

NFL Teams by Tenure

• Atlanta Falcons (2007)

• Denver Broncos (2007–2014)

• Detroit Lions (2014–2020)

• Arizona Cardinals (2021–2024)

• Buffalo Bills (2025–present)

Each transition reflected strategic roster needs for long-range scoring reliability rather than developmental placement.

Record Breaking Performance Metrics

Matt Prater’s career is anchored by measurable, verifiable performance outputs that distinguish him historically.

Career Statistical Summary

These metrics position him among the top tier of all-time NFL scorers.

Long Distance Kicking Specialization

Matt Prater is primarily identified with long-distance field goal execution. His kicking technique enables consistent elevation, tight ball rotation, and reduced aerodynamic instability at extended distances.

Distance Based Efficiency

• Exceptional accuracy from 50–59 yards

• Proven success from 60+ yards in regulation play

• Minimal drop-off in power late in seasons

This distance specialization altered coaching decision thresholds league-wide.

Technical Breakdown of Kicking Mechanics

Matt Prater’s mechanics emphasize efficiency over exaggerated motion.

Core mechanical components include:

• Compact approach stride

• Stable plant-foot alignment

• High follow-through trajectory

• Optimized hip rotation timing

These elements reduce error variance and support repeatability under fatigue.

Environmental and Situational Performance

Matt Prater demonstrates consistent performance across varying conditions.

Environmental Factors Managed

• Cold-weather stadiums

• High-altitude venues

• Wind-variable open fields

His adaptability contributed to trust in high-risk scoring attempts.

Career Longevity and Durability

Matt Prater’s career extends beyond typical NFL kicker averages. Longevity is supported by:

• Controlled workload management

• Minimal non-contact injuries

• Consistent offseason conditioning

He remains active into his 19th professional season, which is rare for the position.

Comparative Historical Significance

Matt Prater ranks among the most impactful special teams players in league history due to measurable changes in game strategy.

Comparative distinctions include:

• Highest volume of successful long-range field goals

• One of the longest continuous careers for a power kicker

• Consistent scoring output across team changes

These factors elevate his historical ranking beyond raw totals.

Strategic Value to NFL Teams

Matt Prater provides value beyond points scored.

Strategic Contributions

• Extended offensive drive utility

• Reduced fourth-down risk

• Improved end-of-half scoring probability

Teams leverage his range to shift field position expectations.

Career Highlights by Category

Common Misconceptions About Matt Prater

Matt Prater is often labeled only as a power kicker. This overlooks his efficiency, consistency, and situational reliability.

He is not limited to dome or altitude advantages. Data confirms performance stability across stadium types.

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FAQs:

What makes Matt Prater different from other NFL kickers?

Matt Prater combines elite long-range power with sustained accuracy, which is uncommon among high-distance specialists.

Is Matt Prater the strongest kicker in NFL history?

Matt Prater is statistically one of the strongest, based on verified game-distance conversions rather than training metrics.

How did Matt Prater change NFL strategy?

Coaches expanded field goal attempt ranges, reducing fourth-down attempts and increasing long-range scoring confidence.

Does Matt Prater rely on altitude for long kicks?

His record-setting kicks occurred in varied environments, including non-altitude stadiums.

How long has Matt Prater played in the NFL?

Matt Prater has played professionally since 2007, spanning nearly two decades.

Legacy Assessment

Matt Prater represents a benchmark for modern placekickers. His career establishes new thresholds for distance expectations, scoring reliability, and specialist longevity.

His influence persists through statistical records, strategic adaptations, and technical study by emerging kickers.

Conclusion:

Matt Prater is a historically significant NFL placekicker defined by record-breaking distance, sustained accuracy, and strategic impact. His career metrics, technical execution, and longevity establish him as one of the most influential special teams players in professional football history.

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