Former San Diego State Punter Matt Araiza Signs NFL Contract with Kansas City Chiefs After Legal Drama

Former San Diego State Punter, Matt Araiza, has officially inked an NFL contract with the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, in a move that marks a comeback for the player after being embroiled in legal controversies.

Araiza’s agency, JL Sports, made the announcement on social media, signaling a new chapter in the young punter’s career.

The signing comes following a tumultuous period where Araiza was involved in a sexual assault investigation that implicated several members of the San Diego State football team, jeopardizing his NFL aspirations.

In December, Araiza was removed from a lawsuit that accused him of being present at a party where a 17-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe, was allegedly assaulted. This development came after a settlement was reached with Jane Doe.

The initial lawsuit, filed in August 2022, saw Doe dropping Araiza’s name from the case, while Araiza reciprocated by dismissing a defamation suit he had filed against Doe in July 2023.

Araiza was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft but was released shortly after the lawsuit surfaced, ending his brief tenure with the team in August 2022.

An opportunity may now await Araiza at the Chiefs, as their current punter, Tommy Townsend, is set to enter free agency soon, potentially opening up a spot for the young player on the roster of the prestigious NFL franchise.

Reflecting on the signing, Araiza expressed his gratitude and excitement in a statement shared on social media, thanking his family and friends for their unwavering support throughout the challenging period and emphasizing his eagerness to contribute to the success of the Super Bowl-winning team.

Araiza, known for his exceptional punting skills and dubbed the ‘Punt God’ during his time at San Diego State, was honored as a consensus All-American in 2021, showcasing his talent and potential in the sport.

The Chiefs’ decision to bring Araiza on board reflects a new opportunity for the young athlete to continue pursuing his dream of a professional football career, following the legal hurdles that temporarily stalled his journey in the sport.