Introduction
Matt Prater is not just a name in the NFL—he’s a symbol of longevity, precision, and sheer leg power. With one of the most storied kicking careers in NFL history, Prater continues to captivate fans with his consistency and record-breaking feats. In this article, we explore three intriguing angles: where he currently lives and plays, a breakdown of his career earnings, and the story behind that unforgettable 64-yard field goal, a record that etched his name into league lore.
1. Where Does Matt Prater Live (and Play)?
Matt Prater currently plays as the placekicker for the Buffalo Bills. As of early September 2025, the Bills elevated Prater from their practice squad to the active roster following an injury to their regular kicker, Tyler Bass
Previously, Prater played for the Arizona Cardinals, where he signed a two-year contract in March 2021 worth approximately $6.5 million, including $3.775 million in guarantees. He extended with them for two more years in 2023 Wikipedia, before moving to the Bills in 2025.
So, where does he live? While exact personal residence details are seldom public, it’s fair to assume that Prater resides close to his team base. During the NFL regular season, he likely stays in or around Buffalo, New York. Off-season residences are typically closer to offseason training location—likely the Phoenix area, where the Cardinals are based and where he spent several seasons.
2. Career Earnings: A Million-Dollar Foot
Matt Prater’s career earnings reflect both his skill and impressive longevity in the league. Here’s a breakdown from reliable sources:
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According to OverTheCap, Prater’s total career earnings through his time with the Lions (≈$20.4M) and Cardinals (≈$14.25M)—from 2015 onward—sum to approximately $34.65 million.
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Spotrac reports a slightly higher figure, listing his career earnings at about $42,003,529, with potential earnings rising to $42,318,529 pending incentives and guarantees.
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Another source, Spotrac’s separate summary, pegs his earnings through 2025 at around $44.82 million.
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Meanwhile, Salary Sport presents a “Total” figure of roughly $44.99 million—again echoing a similar ballpark.
Summary Table:
| Source | Estimated Career Earnings |
|---|---|
| OverTheCap | ~$34.65 million (2015–) |
| Spotrac | ~$42.00 million (+ potential) |
| Spotrac (2025) | ~$44.82 million (through 2025) |
| Salary Sport | ~$44.99 million total |
All figures align around the $42M–$45M range, making Prater one of the highest-paid kickers in NFL history. OverTheCap ranks him among the top earners at the position.
3. The 64-Yard Kick: A Moment Frozen in Time
Perhaps Prater’s most famous moment came on December 8, 2013, when he nailed a 64-yard field goal for the Denver Broncos, breaking the previous NFL record.
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That kick, executed at Mile High Stadium, remains legendary—elevation, power, and perfect timing converged to make it possible.
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Prater held that record until the NFL was stunned once again by Justin Tucker, who hit a 66-yard field goal in 2021 ESPN.com.
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Prater continued to demonstrate elite long-range capability beyond that 2013 moment. In 2023, now with the Cardinals, he drilled a 62-yard field goal at age 39—one of the longest in NFL history for someone of that age.
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As of the end of the 2024 season, Prater held the record for the most 50+ yard field goals in NFL history, with a total of 81.
