‘I Would not Change Something’ — Chiefs Punter Matt Araiza Reveals His Mindset Throughout Darkish Time of Life
The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs are getting ready for his or her fifth Tremendous Bowl in six seasons, and whereas a ton of acquainted faces make up the roster, there are additionally some new gamers. One of many extra distinguished additions, particularly within the final two seasons, has been punter Matt Araiza.
One 12 months in the past, the previous Ray Man Award winner was out of the NFL; the Buffalo Payments launched him previous to his first regular-season snap after a lawsuit accused him and two former faculty teammates of rape. After preventing the allegations and clearing his identify, he joined the Chiefs. Now, after defeating his former staff, he’s taking part in the Tremendous Bowl.
Matt Araiza Opens Up About Enjoying Within the Tremendous Bowl Months After Being Out of the NFL
In his first season with Kansas Metropolis, Araiza is making a run to the Tremendous Bowl — much like rookie huge receiver Xavier Worthy — and the punter understands the importance of the second.
“It’s fairly particular, I imply, that is the head of soccer. So to be a small a part of it, it’s actually cool, I’m grateful for this,” Araiza informed PFN.
When requested if he has any nerves whereas experiencing the magic of the Tremendous Bowl, Araiza admitted he does.
“Somewhat bit; I imply, a whole lot of the vets on our staff have carried out this a number of occasions,’ he stated. “In my room, particularly, James [Winchester] (and Harrison Butker), that is their fifth Tremendous Bowl. In order that they undoubtedly have carried out their finest explaining what a whole lot of the method goes to be like.”
Earlier than his expertise with the Chiefs, Araiza had solely appeared in preseason video games with the Payments, who opted to chop him when the accusations have been made public.
In fact, his street again to the NFL has been as laborious as they arrive. Throughout his rookie season, the Payments rookie was lower from the staff because of the allegations. Finally, in December 2023, Araiza and his accuser mutually agreed to drop their respective lawsuits in opposition to one another, and the punter filed a defamation swimsuit in opposition to his accuser.
Nevertheless, it modified the trajectory of his profession dramatically. Araiza was candid when talking about it, being weak and trustworthy about his journey. “It’s nice, I imply, it’s actually a full circle second. You recognize, there have been challenges, however standing the place I’m right now, I wouldn’t wish to change something as a result of, you recognize, that is so particular.”
Furthermore, he didn’t even imagine a return to the NFL was within the playing cards. “I imply, I stored a bit little bit of hope, making it again to the NFL, however I might have been so grateful to be on a staff that didn’t win a sport for the entire 12 months. So to finish up on this high quality of a staff, you recognize, with the ability to go to the playoffs and finally the Tremendous Bowl, yeah, it’s fairly particular.”
Final week, Araiza received his probability at a revenge sport of kinds when squaring off in opposition to the Buffalo Payments within the AFC Championship Recreation. Earlier than the allegations got here out, Buffalo had named him the beginning punter earlier than reducing him from the staff forward of the ultimate preseason sport.
When requested about his expertise going up in opposition to his former staff, he was trustworthy, admitting, “Yeah, I imply, it was fairly particular. I feel I sort of tried to steer clear of the emotional aspect of issues and simply sort of give attention to enterprise. And, yeah, wanting again, it’s undoubtedly a fantastic reminiscence.”
