Matt Prater has taken NFL primetime by storm — at 41, the veteran kicker has become the oldest player in Buffalo Bills history and delivered a clutch performance, booting the game‑winning field goal in a dramatic Week 1 victory.
Bills Elevate Matt Prater from Practice Squad
With longtime kicker Tyler Bass sidelined due to a hip/groin injury and placed on injured reserve, the Buffalo Bills signed veteran Matt Prater to their practice squad on September 4, 2025 Buffalo RumblingsWikipedia. Three days later, the team officially elevated him to the active roster ahead of their Sunday Night Football opener against the Baltimore Ravens Buffalo RumblingsSINBC Sports.
Rewriting the Bills’ Record Books
When Matt Prater took the field for Buffalo, he made history — becoming the oldest player to ever suit up for the franchise at 41 years and 28 days, surpassing the previous mark set by QB Bill Munson in 1979 Buffalo Rumblings. In a team increasingly focused on youth, Prater now stands atop the roster in age, with the next oldest active player, safety Jordan Poyer, nearly seven years younger at 34 Buffalo Rumblings.
A Strong NFL Legacy Behind the Numbers
Prater brings a storied resume to Orchard Park. He holds the NFL record for most field goals of 50+ yards with 81, and previously held the longest FG record at 64 yards from 2013 until 2021 Wikipedia. Over his career, his field goal percentage sits at 83.6% with extra-point accuracy at 97.3% as of the 2024 season Wikipedia. Before his 2024 injury, Prater was flawless — going 6-for-6 on field goals and 10-for-10 on extra points in four games Buffalo RumblingsWikipedia.
Dramatic Debut with the Bills
In his Bills debut against the Ravens, Matt Prater wasted no time leaving his mark. He nailed all three of his field goal attempts, including a 32-yard game-winner as time expired, sealing a thrilling 41–40 comeback win WikipediaBuffalo Rumblings.
Context in the Kicker Market
Prior to rejoining the league, Matt Prater ranked as the No. 2 free-agent kicker in 2025, trailing only Nick Folk SB Nation. Despite his age and a 2024 meniscus tear, analysts praised his reliability and leg strength. His entry into Buffalo brings veteran stability at a crucial time.
What This Means for the Bills
- Veteran stability: Prater’s reliability and deep-kicking ability are invaluable during Bass’s absence.
- Record book relevance: His presence and performance add to Buffalo’s storied legacy and energize fans.
- Immediate impact: Delivering a game-winner in Week 1 spotlighted his readiness and composure under pressure.
Quick Facts: Matt Prater
| Attribute | Info |
|---|---|
| Position | Placekicker |
| Team | Buffalo Bills (2025–present) |
| Age | 41 |
| NFL Records | Most 50+ yard FGs (81), formerly longest FG (64 yd) |
| Career FG % | 83.6% |
| Career XP % | 97.3% |
| Notables | Second‑team All‑Pro (2013), 2× Pro Bowl (2013, 2016) |
In Summary
Matt Prater, carved out a niche as one of the premier long-range kickers of his era. Now with the Buffalo Bills, he not only rewrote team history as the oldest player ever but delivered under immense pressure — a signature 32-yard field goal sealed a memorable 41–40 win over the Ravens in Week 1.
This remarkable performance signals that age may be just a number — Matt Prater is back, and the Bills are counting on his veteran poise to steer their special teams through uncertain waters.
