"Resurrected by the Chiefs: Matt Araiza's Redemption as the Punt Master"

Matt Araiza, known as the "Punt God" for his impressive and lengthy kicks, often questioned if his NFL career was over before it even began.

During training camp in 2022, he was released by the Buffalo Bills, not due to his performance, but because of allegations that he had raped a 17-year-old girl at a party in October 2021 while playing for San Diego State University.

Now a punter for the Kansas City Chiefs, Araiza will be back on the field Saturday night for a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Also see this picks: Minnesota vs. Los Angeles Rams Pick & Prediction OCT 24th 2024 Also see this picks: North Texas vs. Memphis Tigers Pick & Prediction OCT 19th 2024

And he is extremely grateful for the second chance he has been given.

"Honestly, I went back and forth in my mind," Araiza said on Monday about whether he would be able to continue his career. "But there were definitely moments where I thought it was all over, so I am incredibly thankful to be here."

Araiza, 24, was unable to play for the past two seasons while dealing with his legal issues.

The San Diego district attorney's office decided not to press charges against Araiza in December 2022. A year later, he was dropped from the girl's lawsuit.

In February, Kansas City signed Araiza and he has been performing well so far.

"I like him. Just keep working and strive for consistency," said Chiefs coach Andy Reid. "You can see it. I mean, he's booming the ball. I'm curious to see how he does in games."

Booming punts have always been Araiza's specialty. He even kicked an 82-yard punt in a preseason game for the Bills shortly before his release. He is also remembered as one of the top punters in college football history.

Also see this picks: San Francisco Giants vs. Baltimore Orioles Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 17th 2024 Also see this picks: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Texas Rangers Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 17th 2024

In the 2021 season at San Diego State, Araiza won the Ray Guy Award for the best punter in the nation and set an NCAA record with a 51.19 punting average.

Now, he is eager to see how he will perform in the NFL.

"I feel like I've been punting really well," Araiza said. "I've continued to improve. That's probably my favorite part - from Day 1 here to now, I am constantly getting better. I am looking forward to that and continued growth."