Key Highlights
- Matt Prater details how his experience with the Buffalo Bills is unlike any other in his 19-year career.
- Prater’s arrival at the end of summer due to Tyler Bass’ injury has been a breath of fresh air for the veteran kicker.
- Bills coach Ralph Ventre highlights Prater’s consistency and reliability despite his advanced age.
- Prater discusses his career firsts with the Buffalo Bills, emphasizing the positive locker room environment.
New Chapter in Matt Prater’s NFL Journey: Buffalo Bills
Matt Prater, the 41-year-old veteran kicker of the Buffalo Bills, has found himself in a unique situation this season. The Bills’ 41-year-old kicker discusses how his current experience with the team is unlike any other in his 19-year career.
Prater’s Arrival and Adaptation
Prater arrived at the end of the summer, filling an unexpected gap when Tyler Bass was not healthy enough to start the season. “Maybe down the road I’ll look back at a crazy year,” Prater admits with a smile. “It’s been honestly, a breath of fresh air. It’s been fun coming out here, being a part of this organization with this team.”
Prater’s first game as a Buffalo Bill was against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, where he made a heroics field goal that secured a win for the Bills. The kicker’s performance has earned him the trust and confidence from his teammates and coaches.
The Best Locker Room
Prater highlights how he loves being with the Bills, stating it is “the best locker room I think I’ve ever been in.” Ralph Ventre, the Bills’ coach, echoes this sentiment, praising Prater’s consistency and reliability. Despite his age, Prater has maintained a high performance level, making 90 percent of field goal attempts through 14 games before being sidelined due to injury.
“I love being here from top to bottom with ownership, coaches, quarterback, everybody,” Prater added. “It’s been fun coming out here, being a part of this organization with this team.”
Prior Experiences and Career Firsts
Prater’s journey through the NFL began in 2007 when he was signed by the Denver Broncos. He later spent seven years with the Detroit Lions before moving to the Arizona Cardinals, where knee surgery ended his 2024 season after only four weeks.
Making his first appearance for a team that trusts him and gives him stability is something Prater values highly. “Knee surgery ended my 2024 campaign,” he explained. “But being here has been like a new beginning.”
Preparation and Future Prospects
Prater’s return to practice and his availability for the upcoming game against the New York Jets are positive signs. He will undergo another two weeks of preparation before facing off with the Jets, aiming to continue his reliable performance.
“It’s fun playing again,” Prater said after a recent practice session. “I’m looking forward to contributing to this team and making sure we come out on top.”
The Bills’ kicking situation has taken a turn in the right direction with Prater’s heroics, but his journey with the team is far from over. As he prepares for Week 18, the veteran kicker remains focused and ready to make an impact.
Prater’s story is one of resilience and adaptability, showcasing how experience and reliability can still shine in a league where younger players often dominate headlines. His presence on the Buffalo Bills’ roster continues to be a highlight of this unique NFL season.
