The Buffalo Bills are set to kick off their 2025 season against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium, and the spotlight is on an unexpected star: 41-year-old kicker Matt Prater. With incumbent kicker Tyler Bass sidelined by hip and groin injuries, landing him on injured reserve for at least the first four games, Prater’s elevation from the practice squad is more than just a temporary fix—it’s a historic moment for the franchise.
When Prater steps onto the field for Sunday night’s clash, he will etch his name into the Bills’ record books as the oldest player to ever suit up for the team, surpassing former quarterback Bill Munson, who held the record at 38 years old in 1979. According to On SI’s Alex Brasky, Prater’s debut will mark a remarkable milestone, not just for the Bills but in the broader NFL landscape, where he ranks as the second-oldest active player, trailing only Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is also 41 but will turn 42 in December.
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Prater, who turned 41 in August, brings a wealth of experience to Buffalo. Entering his 19th NFL season, the veteran kicker has an illustrious resume, including two Pro Bowl selections (2013 with the Denver Broncos and 2016 with the Detroit Lions) and a second-team All-Pro nod in 2013. Most recently, Prater spent four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, where he converted 85.1% of his field goals across 51 games. Despite being limited to just four games in 2024 due to injury, he was perfect, nailing all six field goals and 10 extra points. In his last full season in 2023, Prater maintained a solid 84.8% field goal success rate.
Known for his booming leg, Prater has long been one of the NFL’s premier long-range kickers. His career highlights include a 64-yard field goal, one of the longest in NFL history, and a reputation for clutch performances. Now, as he prepares to face the Ravens, Bills fans are eager to see if Prater’s veteran savvy and powerful kicking can provide a spark in a high-stakes primetime matchup.
Before Prater’s arrival, safety Jordan Poyer, at 34, was the oldest player on the Bills’ roster, with 33-year-old defensive lineman DaQuan Jones as the oldest on the active roster. Prater’s addition not only reshapes the team’s kicking game but also adds a layer of historical intrigue to an already electrifying Week 1 showdown.
As the Bills host the Ravens under the lights at Highmark Stadium, all eyes will be on Prater. Can the veteran kicker deliver in his historic debut and help Buffalo start the season with a bang? One thing is certain: this blockbuster moment from Highmark is one for the history books.