ORCHARD PARK, NY – In a move that signals the conclusion of one of the most prolific kicking careers in NFL history, Matt Prater has officially announced his retirement from professional football. At 41 years old, the veteran kicker leaves the game after two decades of service, finishing his final chapter where few expected but many embraced: with the Buffalo Bills.

The 2025 Savior: A One-Season Masterclass

Prater’s arrival in Buffalo for the 2025 season was born out of necessity following a pre-season injury to Tyler Bass. What started as a “patchwork” solution quickly turned into a focal point of the Bills’ success. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Prater delivered a season for the ages, stabilizing a special teams unit that desperately needed his veteran poise.

“I didn’t need a long run here to feel what Buffalo is about,” Prater stated in his farewell address to the Bills Mafia. “One season was enough to understand the heart of this team and these fans. Every kick, every moment meant something.”

Prater’s 2025 campaign was defined by clutch performance. He converted 90% of his field goals, including a pulse-pounding 50-yarder in the Divisional Round that cemented his status as a cold-blooded assassin in the snow.

The Statistical Giant: A Legacy Set in Stone

While his time in Western New York was brief, his overall body of work across the NFL is staggering. Prater retires as the undisputed king of the long-range field goal, holding several records that may not be touched for decades:

• The Distance King: Prater holds the NFL record for the most career field goals of 50+ yards (81). In an era where kickers are more accurate than ever, his ability to provide points from “no-man’s land” changed how head coaches approached the game.

• All-Time Scorer: With 1,908 career points, Prater currently sits at 13th on the NFL’s all-time scoring list, a testament to his longevity and reliability across four different franchises (Denver, Detroit, Arizona, and Buffalo).

• The 64-Yard Icon: For nearly a decade, Prater held the record for the longest field goal in NFL history (64 yards), a kick that remains a legendary part of Broncos lore.

“Nothing Left to Prove”

The decision to retire in April 2026 comes after a grueling 2025 postseason where Prater battled nagging lower-body injuries. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed a sense of peace with his decision.

“I’m walking away with nothing left to prove—just gratitude, respect, and memories I’ll carry for the rest of my life,” Prater said. His departure marks the end of an era for the “old guard” of NFL kickers—specialists who relied as much on mental toughness as they did on leg strength.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott praised Prater’s impact on the locker room: “Matt didn’t just come here to kick; he came here to lead. His calmness under pressure was infectious. He leaves this organization better than he found it.”

Final Farewell to the Mafia

As the Bills transition back to a healthy Tyler Bass for the 2026 season, the vacancy left by Prater is more than just a spot on the roster; it’s the loss of a legend. For the Bills Mafia, he will always be remembered as the man who stepped in when the lights were brightest and never blinked.

Prater plans to return to his home in Arizona to spend time with his family, ending a journey that began as an undrafted free agent in 2006 and ended as one of the greatest to ever do it.