5 Things to Know About Kansas City Chiefs Matt Araiza

1

Nickname is ‘Punt God’

Araiza was nicknamed ‘Punt God’ in college after his 2021 season at San Diego State University which saw him average 51.19 yards per punt, breaking the NCAA record. Araiza has spoken about the nickname before, saying he does not “necessarily love the nickname,” though he recognizes it is a “huge compliment.”

In the same year, he won the Ray Guy Award as the top punter in the nation, became only the second SDSU player to become a consensus All-American, and announced his intention to enter the 2022 NFL draft. 

2

Solid Numbers In First year in the NFL

Araiza didn’t replicate his college numbers in his first full year playing in the NFL. But he put up solid numbers nonetheless. He made a total of 62 punts for 3,027 yards, with his longest punt at 72 yards and his average at 48.8. 25 of his kicks have landed inside the 20-yard line. 

3

He Enjoys Tamales Tojos and Horchata

Araiza’s Mexican roots are clear because as every Latino, he has opinions about food. When asked to choose between tamales verdes and tamales rojos, Araiza picked tamales rojos. And when asked to choose between agua de jamaica and horchata, he quickly picked horachata. And as for dessert, he also has opinions. Churros over pan de dulce, every day.

4

Drafted by the Buffalo Bills & Then Moved to the Chiefs

Araiza was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the 180th pick of the 2022 NFL Draft and was named the starting punter for the team. However, after allegations against him and two former SDSU teammates surfaced, Araiza was released by the Bills without ever playing a game. 

In December of 2023, Araiza and his accuser decided to drop their respective lawsuits against each other. The punter had countersued for defamation. He went on to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs in February and suited up and played the entire season with the team. 

5

Dreamed of Playing for Mexico’s National Fútbol Team

Araiza, who has Mexican roots from his dad’s side, shared that his dad was from Mexicali and he’s visited Mexico before, though he never lived there. He also told Remezcla that his dream as a kid was to play fútbol for Mexico’s national team. His favorite Mexican soccer player growing up was Memo Ochoa and if he had to choose between Club America or Chivas, he’d choose Club America.