In 18th season, Matt Prater Continues To Show How It's Done

Kicker 15th on NFL's all-time scoring list with 1,806 points

Sep 26, 2024 at 05:01 PM

Zach Gershman

azcardinals.com

Kicker Matt Prater lines up a kick against the Lions last weekend.

The Cardinals' starting lineup, with an average age of 26.52 years old, is the fourth-youngest in the NFL.

A total of 38 players on the active roster -- along with the author of this piece -- were in elementary school when 40-year-old Matt Prater made his NFL debut in 2007. When the third-oldest player in the NFL walks through the locker room in Tempe, it's clear just how much has changed.

"It's totally different from when I first got in the league to what it is now," Prater said. "I remember we actually had twice-a-day, full-pad practices, full-tackle (in camp), and I'd be kicking at both of them.

"But there is a lot more knowledge and we know what's better for your body for the longevity of the season."

In Sunday's game against the Lions, Prater proved why he's still one of the best in the game, even in his 18^th season. After Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kyler Murray connected for a touchdown in the first quarter, Prater kicked the PAT, giving him exactly 1,800 points in his career, the most scored by any active player. (He's at 1,806 now after two later field goals.)

Statistically, it was another box Prater could check off in an impressive career. He holds the NFL record for most career field goals of at least 50 yards with 81, most PATs in a single season with 75, most consecutive-made field goals of at least 50 yards with 14, and is 15^th on the NFL's all-time scoring list.

"He reminds you of how good he is all the time, so that's refreshing," special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers said. "He takes care of himself very well and as the season goes on, that's something that we're always mindful of with all the specialists, regardless of age."

407 FGs for the 🐐 @MattPrater_5 pic.twitter.com/vSx3CXFiaO
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 26, 2024

Over the course of his career, Prater's daily routine has changed and remains ever-changing in his eyes. Age plays a role in the evolution, as does the trajectory of the sport.

"As you age, you lose some of the explosiveness, but you try to balance it out with strength," Prater said. "I don't kick as much as I used to, even during games. It's more about staying loose and ready to go. I've changed up different things here and there. After the season, if I had one reason why I missed more than one kick, I'm going to try to fix that one thing in the offseason, so it doesn't happen again."

Prater has been perfect throughout the first three games. The 1,800^th point is a bit stained since "we didn't win, so it's not as cool."

Because of Prater's success from 50-plus yards, the unit often has an opportunity to add to the scoreboard, something that gives offensive coordinator Drew Petzing an underrated level of comfort.

"We're in field goal range a lot sooner than other teams at times," Petzing said. "That, as a playcaller, certainly changes the dynamic of how you can operate in certain situations. His ability is impressive, and it certainly helps us as a team and as an offense."

Prater is 41 points away from climbing to 14^th on the NFL's all-time scoring list. Kicker Adam Vinatieri is first with 2,673 points in his career.

It will be difficult for Prater to reach Vinatieri's mark, in part because Prater knows he's closer to the end of his career. His current contract runs out after the season.

Until then, Prater will continue to feel young and bask in the moment.

"I have no idea (how much longer), just a day at a time, year at a time, hoping to have a good season and just make a decision from there," Prater said. "I think as long as I play well I'll have an opportunity, possibly, but at the same time, I am 40 years old. Maybe I'll get an opportunity, but if not, I played 18 years. It's cool.

"Either way I'm just trying to really enjoy this team, take everything in and all the different experience. I try to share it with teammates and my kids as much as I can. I bring my son around as much as I can and enjoy it as much as I can."

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September. 26, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.