The Punt God is already living up to his nickname.
Matt Araiza is entering the NFL this year with more hype than any punter in recent league history. With the first kick of his career, Araiza showed why his nickname is legit. With less than a minute left to play in the first half, the Bills were facing a fourth-and-4 from their own 18-yard line, so they sent out Matt Araiza for his first punt of the night. The rookie responded by crushing an 82-yard punt that traveled more than 75 yards in the air.
If you’re wondering what an 82-yard punt looks like, well take a look below:
What a leg! @matt_araiza just sent this punt 82 yards. 😱
📺: #INDvsBUF on @NFLNetwork (or check your local listings)
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/Dz9p0kOaUQ pic.twitter.com/bcYFXiHwbE— NFL (@NFL) August 13, 2022
For those interested in betting on the Punt God, he’s currently listed at +20000 to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Via DraftKings Sportsbook:
Bills Punter Matt Araiza, also known as Punt God, had an insane 82 yard punt this weekend.
He’s now +20000 to win Offensive Rookie of the Year 👀 pic.twitter.com/WGoq5oeKR4
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) August 15, 2022
You can see the full list of Rookie of the Year odds below:
Not only did the Punt God lead the nation in punting average with an FBS-record 51.4 yards per punt last season, but he also had six punts of at least 70 yards in 2021, which was easily the most in the country. There were only six punts of 70 or more yards in the entire NFL last season. Araiza also boomed an 86-yard punt in 2021, which was the longest in college football.
Bills get the Punt God in the SIXTH ROUND.
Matt Araiza had two punts of more than 80 yards last season, including an 86-yarder that was the longest punt in college football.
He might be able to punt a football from San Diego to Buffalo. #Bills #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/EA1iEWkdyA
— John Breech (@johnbreech) April 30, 2022
If you’re wondering if a kicker has ever won Rookie of the Year, it’s happened. Jason Hanson is the only kicker to ever be named Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers Association.
But there has never been a Punter to win the award. If anyone could do it, it’s gotta be the Punt God!
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