Matt Prater’s name is etched in NFL history as one of the most reliable and powerful kickers the league has ever seen. With a net worth of $14 million in 2025, Prater’s journey is proof that even in a position often overlooked, consistency, accuracy, and longevity can create both legacy and wealth. Over nearly two decades, Prater built a reputation as a clutch performer, a record-setter, and a dependable presence for multiple franchises. His career earnings, combined with his historic moments on the field, make him a standout figure among NFL specialists.
Early Life and College Years
Matthew Phillip Prater was born on August 10, 1984, in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, but his football story truly began in Florida. At Estero High School, Prater excelled in both football and soccer, demonstrating a natural gift for kicking that would later define his professional life. His soccer background gave him both accuracy and stamina, tools that transferred seamlessly onto the football field.
Prater went on to play college football at the University of Central Florida (UCF). At UCF, he set records and eventually became the program’s all-time leading scorer. Despite his achievements, he went undrafted in the 2006 NFL Draft, a common hurdle for kickers. But his raw power and leg strength caught the attention of teams, eventually giving him his shot at the professional level.
The Long Road to Stability
Prater’s early NFL years were rocky. After signing with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006, he bounced around practice squads and short stints with teams like the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons. Many players would have given up after such instability, but Prater’s persistence paid off when he found a more permanent home with the Denver Broncos in 2007.
By 2008, he had secured the Broncos’ starting kicker role, and from there his career began to take shape. The thin air at Mile High Stadium became the perfect setting for his booming leg, giving him the confidence to attempt and make kicks from extraordinary distances.
The Historic 64-Yard Field Goal
Prater’s defining moment came in December 2013. In a game against the Tennessee Titans, he nailed a 64-yard field goal, breaking the NFL record for the longest made kick. That record stood for eight years until Justin Tucker’s 66-yarder in 2021, but Prater’s kick remains one of the most iconic feats in league history.
That single play not only made headlines across the sports world but also cemented his reputation as one of the strongest-legged kickers ever. It showcased not just his physical ability but also his composure in high-pressure moments.
Setbacks and Redemption
In 2014, Prater’s career faced a major challenge when he was suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The Broncos released him, a move that could have derailed his career. Instead, Prater bounced back quickly with the Detroit Lions, proving that his talent was too valuable to ignore.
In Detroit, he became known for his incredible fourth-quarter accuracy and ability to deliver in clutch situations. Time and again, he helped his team secure victories with late-game field goals, earning respect from teammates, coaches, and fans.
Arizona Cardinals and Longevity
Prater signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2021, bringing veteran stability to the franchise. Even in his late 30s, he continued to perform at a high level, converting kicks from long range and maintaining a career field goal percentage above 83%. He also set records for the most career field goals made from 50 yards or longer, solidifying his place among the greatest kickers in NFL history.
His longevity is especially remarkable in a league where careers are often short. Prater’s ability to adapt, stay healthy, and deliver consistently is a key reason he remained relevant for nearly two decades.
Contracts, Salaries, and Career Earnings
Over the course of his career, Matt Prater earned more than $35 million in salary and bonuses. His first major payday came in 2012 with the Denver Broncos, signing a four-year, $13 million deal that included $4 million guaranteed. That contract recognized his value as one of the top kickers in the game at the time.
In 2015, with the Detroit Lions, he signed another multi-year extension that kept him among the highest-paid kickers in the league. His final significant contract came in 2021 with the Arizona Cardinals, a two-year, $7 million deal that was later extended in 2023. Even in the twilight of his career, teams were willing to pay top dollar for his reliability.
Personal Life and Off-the-Field Presence
Away from football, Prater has kept a relatively private lifestyle compared to other NFL stars. Known as a family-oriented person, he has focused much of his energy on balancing career longevity with personal commitments. While he faced challenges earlier in his career, his resilience has been a defining feature of his personal and professional life.
Net Worth and Legacy
With a net worth of $14 million, Matt Prater ranks among the wealthiest kickers in NFL history. His wealth reflects not only his contracts but also the changing perception of kickers as valuable assets in the league. Where once kickers were underpaid and underappreciated, Prater’s career earnings illustrate how the game has evolved to reward specialists who consistently deliver in critical moments.
His legacy goes beyond money, however. He is remembered as a record-setter, a two-time Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl champion, and a player who proved that kickers could be game-changers.
