Matt Prater

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Lore & Background

Prater's time with the Broncos was marked by both high achievement and personal struggle. In 2011, he was arrested and charged with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident. Despite this, he delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career that same season, kicking a 59-yard field goal with three seconds remaining to tie a game against the Chicago Bears, then a 51-yard field goal in overtime to win 13–10. In 2013, he set a new NFL record with a 64-yard field goal against the Tennessee Titans as time expired in the first half. He also set an NFL record for extra points in a single season with 75. Prater appeared in his first Super Bowl following the 2013 season, a 43–8 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. However, in 2014, he began the season with a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, and was released by the Broncos on October 3, 2014, after the team decided to stick with his replacement Brandon McManus.

In Their Own Story

On December 8, 2013, with time expiring in the first half against the Tennessee Titans, Prater lined up for a 64-yard field goal attempt. The snap was clean, the hold was firm, and Prater struck the ball with tremendous power. It sailed through the uprights, setting a new NFL record for the longest field goal in league history. The kick stood as the record until 2021. Prater earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors for that performance, which also included converting all four extra point attempts and a 19-yard field goal in the Broncos' 51–28 victory.

Reader's Guide

Matt Prater joined the Broncos in 2007 after being signed off the Dolphins' practice squad on December 19. He became the starting kicker in 2008, replacing Jason Elam. Over his tenure, he earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors multiple times: in Week 5 of 2008 for converting three field goals including a 55-yarder against the Buccaneers; in Week 12 of 2009 for converting all four field goal attempts against the Giants; and in Week 14 of 2013 for his record-setting 64-yard field goal. In the 2013 AFC Championship against the New England Patriots, he converted all four field goal attempts in the 26–16 victory. Prater was released by the Broncos on October 3, 2014, after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Did You Know?

• Prater set an NFL record for extra points in a single season with 75 in 2013.
• He kicked a 59-yard field goal to tie a game against the Bears in 2011, then a 51-yard field goal in overtime to win 13–10.
• Prater was arrested on August 2, 2011, and charged with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.
• He was signed off the Miami Dolphins' practice squad by the Broncos on December 19, 2007.
• Prater's 64-yard field goal against the Titans in 2013 was the longest in NFL history until 2021.