Matt Prater, the veteran NFL kicker, has quickly emerged as a key player for the Buffalo Bills in 2025, stepping in as their primary kicker amid a sudden roster shift and already delivering a thrilling game-winning moment in the season’s opening week. At 41, Prater stands among the oldest active players in the NFL, bringing nearly two decades of experience and a reputation for clutch kicks to Buffalo.
Matt Prater Joins the Buffalo Bills
With Tyler Bass—the Bills’ regular kicker—sidelined due to a hip and groin injury and placed on injured reserve before the season opener, Buffalo urgently sought a reliable veteran to handle the essential kicking duties. Prater, who signed just days before the opening game after stints with multiple NFL teams, stepped onto the field for Buffalo and immediately etched his name in franchise history by booting a game-winning field goal against the Baltimore Ravens.
Experience and Reputation
Prater is not just any substitute kicker—he’s respected league-wide for his powerful leg and composure under pressure. Over his 19-year NFL career, Prater has earned two Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor and previously held the league record for the longest field goal at 64 yards. He also boasts the most 50+ yard field goals in NFL history, proving to be a specialist in long-range kicks.
Age and Records
At 41 years old, Prater is not only the oldest player ever to suit up for the Bills but also one of the oldest active players in the NFL this season. Only a handful of players in the league match his longevity. The Bills roster for 2025 reflects a blend of young talent and seasoned veterans, and Prater’s age and experience provide rare leadership, especially in close games.
Buffalo Bills Kicker Situation in 2025
The Bills kicker situation changed rapidly. Tyler Bass, a fan favorite and reliable kicker since 2020, was set to lead the special teams again, but ongoing pelvic discomfort forced Buffalo to seek alternatives. Caden Davis briefly filled the role but was released, making way for Prater’s signing and his swift rise to the active roster. Bass is likely to miss at least four games this season, leaving Prater in charge for the foreseeable future.
Prater’s Impact and Game Highlights
Prater’s effect was immediate and unforgettable—he nailed a 32-yard field goal in week one to seal a comeback victory in dramatic fashion for Buffalo. The drive leading up to his kick was orchestrated by quarterback Josh Allen and showed the trust the team has in their new kicker’s poise and accuracy during high-pressure moments. Prater’s performance reinvigorated confidence for fans and players alike as the Bills prepare for their upcoming matches.
NFL Longevity and Prater’s Legacy
Kickers are seldom the center of attention, but Prater’s hallmark moments and resilient career ensure he’s discussed alongside the longest-tenured and oldest players in football. His contract with Buffalo may be short-term, but for now, Matt Prater is the Bills kicker—trusted for his big leg, veteran leadership, and ability to convert in pivotal moments.
Buffalo Bills Roster Spotlight
The 2025 Buffalo Bills feature emerging stars and established veterans, but as of September, Prater is the team’s primary kicker, and his journey offers inspiration and excitement for fans tracking Buffalo’s pursuit of late-game magic this season.
Whether focusing on “Buffalo Bills kicker,” “Matt Prater Bills,” or searching for “Bills kicker today,” Prater’s name now resonates throughout NFL discussions, symbolic of both his sudden rise in Buffalo and his enduring legacy in the sport.
