Matt Araiza, famously nicknamed the “Punt God” during his collegiate years, has made a remarkable return to the NFL after a turbulent start to his professional journey.
Now established as the starting punter for the Kansas City Chiefs, Araiza is rebuilding his career with powerful performances and consistent special teams play.
In this article, you will know Matt Araiza’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Matt Araiza’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Ryan Araiza |
| Date of Birth | May 16, 2000 |
| Age | 25 Years Old |
| Education | San Diego State University (SDSU) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2022 |
| Net Worth | $1.5 Million (Estimated) |
| Salary | $960,000 |
| Career Earnings | ~$1.97 Million (Projected through 2025) |
| Girlfriend | Layla Murray |
| Instagram Profile | @matt_araiza |
| Twitter Profile | @matt_araiza |
Early Career
Matt Araiza’s path to the NFL began at Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete, playing both football and soccer.
His powerful leg was evident early on, earning him a scholarship to San Diego State University (SDSU). It was at SDSU that he truly became a household name in the football world.
During his college career, Araiza revolutionized the punting position. In his junior year (2021), he shattered NCAA records, including the record for punt average in a single season with a staggering 51.19 yards per punt.
His ability to flip the field with 80-yard bombs earned him the Ray Guy Award as the nation’s best punter and the unanimous All-American distinction.
His highlight-reel punts went viral on social media, earning him the nickname “Punt God” and making him one of the most hyped special teams prospects in draft history.
Professional Career
Araiza’s professional career has been a story of resilience. He was originally selected by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, his time in Buffalo was cut short before the regular season began due to serious off-field allegations.
He was released in August 2022 and spent the entire 2022 and 2023 seasons out of football while clearing his name. After a thorough investigation and a dropped lawsuit, he was given a second opportunity in the league.
In February 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Araiza to a contract, bringing him in to compete for the starting job. He won the role and delivered a strong 2024 season, averaging 48.8 yards per punt and proving he still possessed elite leg talent.
His performance was consistent enough for the Chiefs to retain him as an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA) for the 2025 season. Now, with a Super Bowl-contending team, Araiza is focused on cementing his legacy purely through his on-field performance.
Girlfriend
Matt Araiza is currently in a relationship with Layla Murray. While the couple generally maintains a low profile, Layla has been seen supporting Matt at Chiefs games and team events.
Reports and social media posts from 2025 have highlighted their relationship, showing her cheering him on from the stands at Arrowhead Stadium.
Layla Murray tends to keep her personal life private, avoiding the heavy public scrutiny often associated with NFL partners.
Her presence has been a source of stability for Araiza as he navigated his return to the NFL and settled into life in Kansas City.
Matt Araiza’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Matt Araiza has an estimated net worth of approximately $1.5 million. This figure is primarily built from his NFL salaries and the signing bonus he received as a rookie draft pick.
Contract
For the 2025 season, the Kansas City Chiefs tendered Matt Araiza as an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA).
This one-year tender is worth $960,000, which is the league minimum salary for a player with his accrued experience. Because he is an ERFA, he was not eligible to negotiate with other teams once the Chiefs extended the qualifying offer.
Salary
Araiza’s base salary for the 2025 season is $960,000. In the previous 2024 season, he played on a league-minimum contract with a base salary of $795,000.
These earnings mark a steady increase as he accumulates more years of service in the league.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Kansas City Chiefs | $960,000 | Active (ERFA Tender) |
| 2024 | Kansas City Chiefs | $795,000 | Active |
| 2023 | Free Agent | $0 | Out of League |
| 2022 | Buffalo Bills | $216,148 | Released (Signing Bonus) |
| Total | — | ~$1.97 Million | (Estimated) |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | 2024 Season | 2025 Season (YTD) | Career Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 17 | 15 | 32 |
| Punts | 62 | 69 | 131 |
| Punt Yards | 3,027 | 3,125 (Est) | 6,152 |
| Average Yards | 48.8 | 45.3 | 47.0 |
| Inside 20 | 25 | 30 | 55 |
| Longest Punt | 72 | 69 | 72 |
FAQs
1. Is Matt Araiza still on the Chiefs?
Yes, Matt Araiza is on the Kansas City Chiefs roster for the 2025 season. The team tendered him as an Exclusive Rights Free Agent, securing him for another year.
2. What is Matt Araiza’s salary?
For the 2025 season, Matt Araiza earns a base salary of $960,000. This is an increase from his 2024 salary of $795,000.
3. Who is Matt Araiza’s girlfriend?
Matt Araiza is dating Layla Murray. She has been spotted supporting him at Chiefs games and events throughout the 2025 season.
4. Why is Matt Araiza called the “Punt God”?
He earned the nickname “Punt God” in college at San Diego State because of his extraordinary leg strength and ability to kick 80-yard punts, breaking multiple NCAA records.
5. Did Matt Araiza play for the Buffalo Bills?
He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2022 but never played in a regular-season game for them. He was released in the preseason and later signed with the Chiefs in 2024.
