After going through “hell and back,” former Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza is finally getting back on track in the NFL with a team that is a competitor of the one that selected him.
Araiza is inking a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Super Bowl champions.
After being accused of rape during his time at San Diego State, Araiza—a sixth-round pick by the Bills in 2022—was released on August 27, 2022. However, on December 12, 2023, the lawsuit between Araiza and his accuser was abandoned.
In the official statement announcing his signing, Araiza’s agency stated that he’s “been to hell and back”.
“We are happy to announce that @matt_araiza, one of our clients, has signed a contract with the @Chiefs. We appreciate Matt’s chance, which was provided by coach Reid, Brett Veach, and the @Chiefs organization. In the past eighteen months, Matt has been to hell and back. He has behaved gracefully toward himself.”
“I am proud and honored to sign a contract with the Chiefs,” wrote Araiza in a statement that was published with the announcement. Being able to continue playing in the NFL excites me. I want to express my gratitude to my numerous friends who have never wavered in their support as well as my family, who have been my rock.”
For the first time since his release in May 2023, Araiza made a public speech on Tomi Lahren’s program, where he spoke about how the Bills handled the situation.
“Talented wasn’t the reason,” Araiza stated. I was fired as a result of these accusations. The Buffalo Bills are not at all disliked by me. Although I wish things had been handled better, I am grateful that they treated me with respect.”
Araiza is back in the NFL and will try to join Kansas City’s 53-man roster after a protracted legal struggle.
