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Matt Araiza Age: Early Life, Parents & Net Worth

By Ava Lawson

Matt Araiza Age: Early Life, Parents & Net Worth

January 5, 2026

This article was last updated by Sujan on June 14, 2026

Matt Araiza is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. The athlete made his NFL debut in 2026 with the Buffalo Bills. However, he was released before the 2026 season after being accused of sexual assault. 

Matt Araiza is a former teammate of , a talented and hardworking athlete who is currently fighting for his life after he collapsed during the Buffalo Bills match on January 2, 2026.  

Matt was nicknamed “Punt God” for his strength to punt the football 70–80 yards. To be named “Punt God” at age 26 is a great achievement. 

Everything was taking off generously for Matt, but after the alleged sexual assault of a minor, the athlete is receiving a lot of hate comments. On December 2026, the DA office decided not to initiate a criminal proceeding due to a lack of conclusive evidence. 

Matt Araiza, Former Player For The Buffalo BillsMatt Araiza, Former Player For The Buffalo Bills (Source: Instagram)

After the news of the alleged sexual assault, people are questioning his upbringing and family pedagogy. His parents are currently away from the media attention and all the tangle around Matt.

Uncover informational details about the young and competitive football player Matt Araiza in this article. 

First, have a quick look at some facts about the player.

Matt Araiza | Quick Facts

Full Name Matthew Ryan Araiza Date of Birth May 16, 2000 Birth Place San Diego, California Nick Name None Religion Christianity Nationality American Ethnicity Mexican  Zodiac Sign Taurus Age 26 Years Old  Height6 ft. 1 in. (1.85 m/ 185 cm)Weight200 lb (91 kg)Hair Color Black Eye Color Dark Brown Build Athletic Father’s Name Rico Araiza Mother’s Name Kerry Araiza Siblings Ricky Araiza  Education
  • Rancho Bernardo High School (San Diego, California)
  • San Diego State University 
Marital Status Unmarried Girlfriend Unknown  Kids None Profession Football Player Position Punter  Former Team Buffalo Bills NFL Draft 2026 / Round: 6 / Pick: 180 Net Worth $1- $5 Million Social MediaMerch   Last Update May, 2026

Matt Araiza | Body Measurements 

The 26 years old football player stands at a towering height of 6 ft. 1 in. (1.85m) and weighs about 200 lbs. (91 kg).   Similarly, his arm length is 0.77 m, and his handspan is 0.23 m. 

Matt Araiza | Early Life & Family

Matthew Ryan Araiza, popular as Matt Araiza, was born in San Diego, California, on May 16, 2000, to his father, Rico Araiza, and his mother, Kerry Araiza. He has an older brother named Ricky. 

Matt Araiza During Practice SessionMatt Araiza During Practice (Source: Instagram)

Araiza has mixed ancestry since his father is of Mexican origin and his mother is of Caucasian origin. His parents are very supportive and have always motivated him in every activity throughout his boyhood.

To introduce Araiza to athletics, his father used to take him to the field 4-5 days a week. His older brother also encouraged him to take on a football career. 

Matt Araiza | Football Career 

Araiza attended Rancho Bernardo High School, where he was a hurdler in the track and field game. In the meantime, he was also into football.

He earned 37 field goals and became a placekicker and two-time All-America selection. 

After a successful high school year, Araiza attended San Diego State University. He was redshirted his freshman season while serving as the backup to All-Mountain West Conference (MW) kicker John Baron II. 

Matt Araiza With His Teammate Matt Araiza With His Teammate During His Collegiate Days At San Diego State University (Source: Instagram) 

Later, he made 10 of 14 field goal attempts in the 2026 season and earned an honorable mention of All-Mountain West for a second consecutive season. 

Likewise, in 2026, Araiza was labeled the Aztec’s first-string punter and a mid-season All-American by ESPN at the position.

He wrapped up the season averaging 51.19 yards per unit and broke the NCAA record set by Texas A&M’s Braden Mann in 2018. In addition, he earned the Ray Guy Award as the top punter in the country.

Araiza declared that he’d forgo his final season of eligibility to enter the 2026 NFL Draft.

He was selected in the sixth round, 180th overall, of the 2026 NFL Draft by Buffalo Bills.

Moreover, he was named the Bills’ starting punter as a rookie. But, the Bills released Araiza from the team two days after the lawsuit was filed against him. 

Awards & Achievements

  • Ray Guy Award (2026)
  • Unanimous All-American (2026)
  • First-team All-MWC (2026)
  • MWC Special Teams Player of the Year (2026)

Matt Araiza | Personal Life & Girlfriend

The young athlete is currently single. He has not disclosed anything about his ladylove anywhere. 

Matt AraizaMatt Araiza (Source: Instagram)

The player might be more focused on his career than being in a relationship. Or, he might be in a secret relationship and keep everything behind the curtain.

We’ll update you if we find any information about his love life.

Sexual Allegation 

Ariza, along with his college teammates, Nowlin Ewaliko and Zavier Leonard, were alleged to be committing rape, false imprisonment, and gender-violence crimes at a Halloween party on October 17, 2026. 

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit in August 2026 in California. After the investigation, the District Attorney’s Office announced in December 2026 that Ariza would not be criminally charged because of a lack of enough evidence to support a conviction. 

Matt Araiza | Net Worth & Social Media 

The young player, Matt Araiza, has an estimated net worth of about $1- $5 Million. 

Matt uses Instagram and Twitter. He shares his game and professional life on his social media.

However, Araiza has not updated his social media since August 2026.  

Matt Araiza | Popularity Graph 

Here is Araiza’s popularity trend for the past 12 months. 

Matt AraizaThe popularity of Matt Araiza Over The Past 12 Months (Source: Google) 

Araiza’s popularity soared around the time he debuted in NFL and was infamous after the allegation made by the minor.  

Matt Araiza | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What number does Matt Araiza wear?

Araiza wore number 19 for the Buffalo Bills.

When did Matt Araiza get his nickname “Punt God”?

Araiza got his fans’ nickname “Punt God” after breaking Texas A&M’s Braden Mann record set by NCAA.

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Monika K.C

Monika K.C is a dedicated writer with a keen interest in uncovering the stories behind the athletes and events that shape the sports world. Her articles offer readers a comprehensive look at the people, trends, and developments that define the world of sports.

Expertise:

Sports Updates Lifestyle Features

Highlights

  • Monika provides readers with unique insights into their lives, careers, and perspectives on the game.
  • She explores the off-field lives of athletes.

Experience

Monika's passion for sports journalism is rooted in a love of competition and a desire to uncover the stories that lie beneath the surface of the sports world. With a background in writing and a keen interest in sports sociology, she brings a thoughtful and insightful approach to her articles, capturing the nuances and complexities of the sports landscape with depth and clarity.

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