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The New York Jets bring an interesting name for the team as the club welcomes free-agent punter Matt Araiza on Wednesday. per ESPN. It’s an interesting move considering New York signed veteran Thomas Morstead earlier this offseason, but Araiza is a young player with star potential.
Araiza, nicknamed “Punt God,” was picked in the sixth round by the Buffalo Bills last year, beating veteran Matt Haack for the job last season. In the friendly between Buffalo and the Indianapolis Colts, Araiza hit an impressive 82-yard punt. However, he did not make it into the regular season.
In August, Araiza was one of three San Diego State soccer players named in a civil lawsuit alleging the men raped a 17-year-old girl at a house party. While Araiza maintained his innocence, the Bills released the rookie punter, and general manager Brandon Beane declared, “This was bigger than football.”
In December it was reported that Araiza would not be charged with any crime. Earlier this month, Yahoo Sports obtained transcript of a meeting with an assistant district attorney, the alleged victim and her attorneys, which revealed Araiza was not present at the home at the time of the alleged rape.
Araiza now gets another shot at an NFL career. In his final season at San Diego State, Araiza averaged 51.19 yards per punt, breaking an NCAA record. On punts between the 30s in 2021, Araiza said 63 percent within the 20-yard line and 27 percent within the 10 with an average field position at the 16-yard line.