Introduction
Matthew Phillip Prater—known as Matt Prater—is one of the most prolific and clutch placekickers in NFL history. With a career spanning nearly two decades, remarkable leg strength, and a dominant presence at long distances, Prater has etched his name into the record books. This article sheds light on his physical attributes, career trajectory, marital life, a youthful off-field incident, and his current age—packed.
1. Height & Physical Profile
Matt Prater stands at 5 feet 10 inches and weighs approximately 175 pounds.
While not towering, Prater’s stature belies his extraordinary leg power, enabling him to connect on field goals well over 60 yards. His compact, highly athletic frame combined with consistent mechanics has allowed his kick-offs and placekicks to be both powerful and accurate.
2. Teams He’s Played For
NFL Journey: From Undrafted to Long-Distance Legend
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Detroit Lions (2006 – first stint): Signed as an undrafted free agent.
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Miami Dolphins (2007 – first stint): Brief tenure, released after training camp. Wikipedia
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Atlanta Falcons (2007–2008): Won the kicking job, making NFL debut.
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Denver Broncos (2008–2014): Career-defining period—set NFL record with a 64-yard field goal in 2013.
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Detroit Lions (2014–2021, second stint): Returned mid-2014; continued his high-percentage long-distance legacy.
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Arizona Cardinals (2021–2024): Extended his career into the NFC, still excelling at long-range field goals.
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Buffalo Bills (2025–present): Latest chapter—signed as a veteran kicker off their practice squad.
Career Highlights
Prater’s longevity is remarkable, with a career going back to 2006. Over time, he has crafted a reputation as one of the most dependable and long-range kickers in NFL history.
3. Married Life – And Drinking Incident
Marriage
Matt Prater is married to Kati (or Kelly) Prater; sources differ slightly on her exact name. According to IMDb, they tied the knot on April 15, 2015, and have two children together.
Another biography lists his spouse as Kelly Prater and mentions they have maintained a relatively private family life.
The Drinking (DUI) Incident
During his time with the Denver Broncos, Prater was involved in an off-field incident. In August 2011, he was arrested for DUI (driving under the influence) at a hotel in Glendale while in the company of a female employee from a local strip club.
Though it was a youthful mistake, it’s a known blemish in an otherwise professional career. Yet, Prater rebounded, returning to form and continuing to excel on the field.
4. How Old Is He?
Born on August 10, 1984, in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, Matt Prater turned 41 years old on August 10, 2025. WikipediaESPN.com
Despite being in his early 40s, he remains active and effective in the NFL—a testament to his fitness, discipline, and powerful leg strength.
5. Why Matt Prater Still Stands Out
Long-Range Accuracy
Prater holds the NFL record for most field goals of 50+ yards with 81 as of the end of the 2024 season.
Additionally, he held the NFL record for the longest field goal (64 yards from 2013 until 2021).
Career Stats at a Glance
As of 2024:
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Field Goals Made: 407
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Field Goals Attempted: 487
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Field Goal Percentage: 83.6%
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Longest Field Goal: 64 yards
More detailed breakdowns show consistent performance across seasons, with field goal percentages often exceeding 85% and long-distance skills intact even in later years.
6. Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (175 lbs) |
| Teams Played For | Lions, Dolphins, Falcons, Broncos, Lions (again), Cardinals, Bills |
| Marital Status | Married (2015) to Kati/Kelly Prater, two kids |
| Drinking Incident | DUI arrest in August 2011 during Broncos tenure |
| Age | 41 years old (born August 10, 1984) |
| Special Achievements | Longest FG (64 yds, 2013), most 50+ yds FGs (81 as of 2024) |
| Career FG % | ~83.6% over nearly 500 attempts |
7. Final Thoughts
Matt Prater’s journey from an undrafted free agent to a long-distance legend reflects both resilience and elite talent. Standing 5’10” and 175 lbs, he’s built a legacy through sheer leg power and unwavering accuracy. His career spans multiple teams—including stints with the Broncos, Lions, Cardinals, and currently the Bills—and nearly two decades, yet he remains competitive at age 41.
Despite the DUI incident in 2011, Prater rebounded, remained professional, and continued delivering under pressure—cementing his reputation as one of the most reliable kickers in NFL history.
