Matt Araiza was projected to be one of the most influential players in the NFL. He was absolutely explosive in his collegiate stint at SDSU, earning the moniker “Punt God.” His contribution to the team’s 12-2 season made him a fan favorite.
Araiza’s accolades include being named a unanimous All-American and receiving the prestigious Ray Guy Award in 2021. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2022 with his past track record of success, but he had yet to grace the field in a regular-season game. However, the Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off back-to-back Super Bowl wins, decided to end his misfortune.
Chiefs sign Matt Araiza from the Bills
The Chiefs have made a strategic move by bolstering their special teams unit with the signing of punter Matt Araiza from the Buffalo Bills. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler was quick to break the news of this punter’s signing, which was later confirmed by the Chiefs themselves.
The punter’s sports representation conveyed appreciation towards the Chiefs and General Manager Brett Veach for entrusting him with this opportunity. In a statement released by his agent, Araiza voiced his pride and excitement in joining the mighty squad.
“I am proud and honored to sign a contract with the @Chiefs..I am thrilled to be able to continue my NFL career. I want to thank my family, who have been my rock and my many friends who have been unwavering in their support. I am excited to begin the next phase of my career with the Super Bowl Champs!”, he wrote via KMBC.
The rising star had already shown off his skills in a May session with the Jets before signing with the Chiefs. In addition, he garnered media attention in 2022 during his brief preseason stint with the Bills after a spectacular 82-yard punt against the Indianapolis Colts. His strong leg and ability to deliver impressive kicks make him a formidable asset to the Chiefs’ special teams squad.
Meanwhile, Matt Arazia’s acquisition likely spells the end for Tommy Townsend’s tenure with the Chiefs. The veteran heads into free agency following two Super Bowl triumphs with the team.
Why did Bills dismiss Matt Araiza?
Rookie Matt Araiza was released by the Bills two days following the 2022 NFL Draft. A civil case that surfaced during Araiza’s training camp served as the impetus for the action. It said he was involved in the 2021 gang rape of a 17-year-old female at a party close to San Diego State.
Since they met at a college party, the first reaction to the accusations was to confess to having consensual intercourse with the girl, thinking she was of legal age. But during the prosecutor’s investigation, it became clear that Araiza was not at the party when the alleged rape took place, which was an important detail. The Buffalo Bills quickly severed their relationship with the talented rookie in spite of this information.
The punter did not admit guilt and made no financial settlement with the accuser, referred to as Jane Doe in the lawsuit. The legal battle continued until December, when the girl dropped her lawsuit in exchange for an NFL star. He also dismissed his defamation suit against her in the aftermath.
The San Diego Police had spent nearly ten months investigating the case before forwarding it to the district attorney without a recommendation for prosecution. The Bills chose to part ways with Araiza despite the absence of criminal charges. He was a sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, and was released on August 27, just two days after the lawsuit was filed. The team’s general manager, Brandon Beane, said the decision to cut him was the best for everyone at that time.
