Matt Araiza, the record-holder whose NFL career was interrupted by a sexual assault allegation, appears to have earned the punting job for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs didn’t officially announce that Araiza was the guy. However, as Kansas City wrapped up minicamp, the Chiefs waived Ryan Rehkow, leaving Araiza as the lone punter on the roster.
Araiza is the former star for San Diego State. His booming kicks earned him the Ray Guy Award in 2021. And, his 51.19 yards per punt set an NCAA single-season record. The Buffalo Bills were so impressed by Araiza’s ability to flip the field that they selected him in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
There’s even video of his 86-yard punt from his days as an Aztec.
Araiza was out of NFL until Chiefs signed him after Super Bowl
But his NFL career in Buffalo didn’t last long. A lawsuit back in San Diego accused Araiza and two other San Diego State players of a gang rape. The alleged incident happened at an off-campus party.
The lawsuit became public in late August, 2022. A day after the suit made headlines, the Bills waived him.
However, months later, prosecutors in San Diego announced they no longer were pursuing charges against Araiza. Evidence showed that the punter left the party an hour before a 17-year-old woman told police she was gang raped. The young woman initially identified Araiza as being part of the rape. She told police he was the man who led her into a bedroom for his teammates to have sex with her.
Araiza thanked prosecutors. Then tried to return to the NFL.
The Chiefs signed Araiza weeks after they won their second-straight Super Bowl title. Yes, KC is known for Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, but it also helps the Chiefs cause to have a big leg on special teams. Araiza also can pull double duty by holding on field goals for Harrison Butker.
Araiza issued a statement when he signed with Kansas City.
“I am proud and honored to sign a contract with the Chiefs I am thrilled to be able to continue my NFL career,” JL Sports, Araiza’s representatives, shared on X. “I want to thank my family, who have been my rock and my many friends who have been unwavering in their support. (And) I am excited to begin the next phase of my career with the Super Bowl Champs!”
The Chiefs needed a new punter after Tommy Townsend signed with the Houston Texans. Townsend had been the KC punter since 2020.
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