Chiefs kicker Matt Araiza hopes to get another chance to play in the NFL

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Matt Araiza admits there were times over the past two years when he thought the 82-yard punt he made in a preseason game for the Buffalo Bills might remain his only attempt in the NFL.

“There were times when I didn’t do it and times when I did,” Araiza said Monday. “Honestly, I kept mulling it over. But yeah, there were a lot of times when I thought it was over, so I’m incredibly grateful to be here.”

The “here” is the Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp at Missouri Western State University, where Araiza intends to restart his NFL career. Two weeks after that 82-yard punt in a game against Indianapolis, a lawsuit was filed against Araiza alleging his involvement in the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in 2021.

The San Diego County District Attorney did not file charges in the case, and in July 2023, Araiza filed a defamation lawsuit against the accuser. The parties agreed to drop their lawsuits in December, with neither party admitting wrongdoing and no money being involved.

Araiza said he is trying to put the saga behind him.

“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I think if you do your own research, you can come to a pretty clear conclusion,” he said.

However, over the past few years, football has remained his focus.

“I love football. I love being here,” Araiza said. “So it was very much on my mind. It was hard to watch on Sundays, for sure. Really hard.”

New Chiefs kicker Matt Araiza is happy to join the Chiefs

The Chiefs signed Araiza as a free agent on Feb. 22, and he impressed special teams coordinator and assistant coach Dave Toub during offseason workouts.

“I consider him a rookie because he really only played one game and the preseason and he’s not played anymore. So as a rookie, in my opinion, he’s way above the line,” Toub said. “I think he’s way ahead of the curve right now. He’s really scoring some good clearances in team periods. That’s what you want to see now. I mean, that’s one thing, but now you have to see him do it in a game. That’s a whole different level. We have to see it.”

The “God of the Punt” will get that chance Saturday when the Chiefs open preseason training in Jacksonville. Head coach Andy Reid offered his advice for the 24-year-old kicker on Monday.

“I like him. He’s still working. He’s always consistent,” Reid said. “You can tell. I mean, he’s really on the up. I’m curious to see how he does in the games.”

Chiefs’ Andy Reid talks all things training camp

Araiza isn’t a huge fan of the “Punt God” nickname he received while kicking at San Diego State, but he’s more candid when talking about his return to an NFL field on Saturday.

“It’s going to be pretty surreal. I’m definitely going to take it all in,” Araiza said. “Like I said, I’m grateful for the opportunity and grateful to be back in that moment because that’s what I like the most, being out there in a pressure situation in a game with the pressure, with the protection, everything. I think that’s where I’m at my best, so I can’t wait to get back out there.”

NOTES: Wide receiver Kadarius Toney participated on a limited basis Monday in his first action since suffering an ankle injury July 31. … Linebacker Nick Bolton (elbow) missed his fourth practice Monday. … Defensive tackle Chris Jones suffered a shoulder twinge during practice but later returned. … Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden attended Chiefs practice Sunday and Monday. “Him and I have known each other for 30 years, so we’ve known each other for a long time,” Reid said. “So it’s good to have him here. He always brings good feedback on things, he’s very smart, a great football coach. I enjoy having him around, he’s got a lot of energy.”