Matt Prater Leads Bills to Thrilling Victory as Oldest Player in Franchise History
Matt Prater, the Buffalo Bills’ new kicker, may still be getting acquainted with his teammates, but he quickly became a local hero on Sunday night. With a dramatic game-winning field goal, Prater capped off an incredible 41-40 comeback against the Baltimore Ravens, a victory that will resonate for years in western New York.
Historic Milestone for Prater
At 41 years and 28 days old, Prater made history by becoming the oldest player to ever participate in a regular season game for the Bills, as reported by beat reporter Alex Brasky. Celebrating his 41st birthday just a month prior on August 10, Prater is now entering his 19th season in the NFL. Over the years, he has showcased his skills with teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, and Arizona Cardinals. Last season, he played in four games for Arizona, maintaining an impressive perfect record of 6-for-6 on field goals.
A Team in Need
The Bills sought out Prater following the injury to their starting kicker, Tyler Bass, who has been placed on Injured Reserve and is expected to miss at least the first four weeks of the season. After evaluating several kickers, the team settled on Prater, a choice that paid off handsomely.
Clutch Performances Under Pressure
Prater’s contributions were pivotal throughout the game. He not only delivered a crucial field goal just before halftime but also sealed the victory with a successful kick at the regulation buzzer—an impressive feat under immense pressure.
Kickers often enjoy extended careers compared to other positions due to the different physical demands of their role. Prater, with his wealth of experience, likely never imagined he’d be in a position to kick for a win as the clock wound down, especially given the challenges faced during the game. Yet, he rose to the occasion without a hitch.
A Night to Remember
This stunning comeback and Prater’s standout performance exemplify the resilience and tenacity of the Bills. As the team celebrates this memorable victory, fans and players alike will reflect on the significance of Prater’s achievements, both as a record-setting player and as a clutch performer in a high-stakes moment.
The excitement of this game is sure to be a talking point for Bills fans as the season unfolds, solidifying Prater’s place in franchise history.
