Last season four of the Broncos’ eight regular-season victories ended with a Matt Prater field goal splitting the uprights.
On Monday, the team locked up its clutch kicker with a four-year contract, Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway announced on Twitter.
“Happy to announce we have signed kicker Matt Prater to a new four-year deal,” Elway said. “This was the final piece in setting our roster for camp, and we are thrilled Matt is going to be a Bronco for a long time. Matt has developed into one of the NFL’s elite kickers and is a big part of our team.”
Prater, whose four game-winning kicks on the last play of the game in 2011 tied for the second most in a season in NFL history, converted 19-of-25 field goals and all 30 extra point attempts last season. He led the team with 87 total points and finished first in the NFL with his 70.1 touchback percentage on kickoffs.
“It’s something I’ve been working for since I was a little kid,” Prater said. “I’m super excited and very thankful to Mr. Bowlen, Mr. Elway, and the entire organization.”
In 2011, Prater became one of just three players in league history with at least four game-winning field goals in overtime or as time expired in regulation. He earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors for the final month of the season after ending games with field goals in Weeks 12-14 to become the first player to kick a walk-off field goal in three consecutive games since 1998.
His three overtime field goals tied for the most in NFL history for a single season and his overtime kicks (52 yds. at Miami and 51 yds. vs. Chicago) tie for the third and fifth-longest overtime field goals in NFL history.
“I think it will make it easier just so I can really focus on just kicking and nothing else, nothing off the field or anything like that,” he said. “I can just focus on kicking so I think that will be good for me.”
Prater earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week following his historic feat against the Bears in Week 14 when he tied his career long with a 59-yard field goal with three seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game. He then won the game with a 51-yard kick in overtime to join Mike Vanderjagt as the only two players in NFL history to kick a 50+ yard field goal with less than a minute remaining in regulation and convert a 50+ game-winning field goal in the extra session.
“Matt is a guy who’s been with a couple different teams and found his niche here,” Special Teams Coordinator Jeff Rodgers said. “He’s done a good job. If you had to say what can he hang his hat on, the two things he does the best are his leg strength and his ability to make kicks last year when we needed him. That’s a good feeling going forward. Any time you get a guy who you trust, you certainly want to have that continue. Finding out that you have a kicker you can count on certainly is something you want to have year in and year out.”
The fifth-year kicker has made 91-of-116 field goals (78.4 pct.) in his career along with 130-of-132 PAT attempts for 403 total points. He ranks second in the league with 114 touchbacks on kickoffs since 2008, his first full season in the NFL.
Prater is looking forward to returning to work with long snapper Lonie Paxton and holder Britton Colquitt. He said he’s kept in touch with them throughout the process but has missed being able to spend time with them.
“Those guys are the best in the business,” Prater said. “I love working with those guys and I actually missed just being here and hanging out with those guys. I’m excited to get back and working with them.”
With a long-term contract inked, Prater is ready to focus on the upcoming season with no distractions about the future.
“I can’t even put into words how I feel right now – how excited and thankful I am,” Prater said. “We have a great group of guys from top to bottom from the head coach down so it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
-Stuart Zaas
Tags: Matt Prater
WOW
Strand Have you heard the talk about the Rockies moving Gonzalez I believe? Their all star outfielder?
You mean a trade? No I haven`t Man, I hope not.
I don`t see it happening. They need to build around him.
Yea theres been talks about it. Rumors more like.
But I agree they shouldnt. Hes a great young player from what little I know. The one bright spot of the Rockies tremendous season.
I’ll be mad as a hornet if the Rockies do that!! They need more help and trading their talent away makes zero sense.
The Rockies make no sense to me. At some point they need to stop rebuilding. But anytime they get some good players they get moved or leave. Only two that stand out that theyve kept are Hilton and Tulo
Yeah the only thing that sucks about that is Helton AND Tulo are HURT!
I am NOT the only one totally excited for this game and I still can’t believe they didn’t make it PRIME TIME:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82a4d8f6/article/which-2012-nfl-game-should-become-a-national-holiday?module=HP11_content_stream
Mornin Broncos Country……….and Happy Hump Day!
And also a big shout out to all my American bloggers…………..wishing you all a great July 4th! Enjoy the holiday!
Even with the holiday Monday we had, this week seems to be dragging bigtime………almost as slow as this off-season.
I hear ya cat…………the game should be prime time………….and I’m really suprised it isn’t a Sunday or Monday night game. But I’m thinking the schedule was released before the league knew it would be Manning vs. Brady. I’m also pretty sure if they knew TT was gonna be a jet, they would’ve prob had us match up with them as well…..purly for the ratings. Pretty sure there’ll be a Broncos-Jets game next season………..prob in Denver.
Not really much else happening on the news front……….even the NFL Network seems to be grasping at straws for things to talk about in the weeks leading up to training camp. It’s just regurgitation of the same old crap about the bounty scandal, or if PM will or will not be the same QB……….blah blah blah. I’m sure the network is itching to get training camp started just as much as we are.
I’d say we’ll see signings of Brock and Hillman this week or next. It’s not as though they have a ton of leverage to hold out or anything.
GO BRONCOS!
Kod, they didn’t actually makenour scheduled times until after we had Peyton. And there is an NFL schedule rotation so I don’t think they could’ve changed it without making some people mad!
Happy Fourth of July my American friends!
Morning Cat!
Either way, it’ll still be a Prime Time game in regards to relevance! And it will be shown nationally for sure………and I bet most football fans will be tuning in regardless if they’re a Broncos/Pats fan………..everyone wants to see this match-up!
Yeah! God only knows how many more games we will see like this. I’m hoping for two this season and the last one the AFC Championship where the bestr Manning ruins Brady’s chance at a Super Bowl!!!
You mean the AFC Championship that we’ll be hosting! LMAO
Well yes of course! To extend our record to 18-0 (-;
Happy Independence Day to everyone who takes the time to read the blog… Please remember that the reason you have the ability to have an Independent voice (although many choose not to exercise this right) is because many Millions of People before you took the time to sacrifice in many ways to make it happen…
I would like to say thank you to these people and our armed forces today!
One Love in Broncos Country!!!
B-R-O-N-C-O-S BRONCOS BRONCOS BRONCOS!!!
And then we’ll be the only team to go 19-0 in a single season
Happy 4th to all Bronco Country
man is anyone on today, this blog is boring, where is everyone?
Smiley, yeah! And Miami can stop celebrating (-;
Miller, I have had the laziest day but now I am off to a baseball game. I know it’s America’s past time, but it’s not nearly as exciting as football! In a little over a month I will be watching Peyton Manning as a Bronco @ Sports Authority… knowing that might just tide me over! LOL
happy independence day to all on the bronco blogs!! a special day for our nation and lets make sure to thank the troops however you can because as turtle said, they and those before them are the reason for what this nation has become (dont get me started on where its going right now…).
i, too would LOVE to be the team to have the perfect season that finally shuts those damn dolphins up. man i’d give a whole lot for us to be the team to make that happen. but i cannot lie, i dont think we will even come close to undefeated this year. we will get into the playoffs, hopefully as division champs, but theres a whole lot of change that needs to settle in before we get where we need to be on the field. i just hope that happens soon enough to get us that division title. in this division it shouldnt be hard and i wont be bothered by a slow start because once it catches on here with the neck and the defense, it will be a great thing to see. now the next year and the year after? maybe we can start talking about undefeated season, especially if draft picks, the neck, and free agent pick ups pan out like they need to. its exciting times bronco fans and i for one am thoroughly enjoying it!!
Happy 4th of July……………….I hope everybody is celebrating to the MAX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good God…this blog is dead,which is a good thing,hopefully everybody is out kicking up their heels tonight….this is one of the best party nights of the year……WWWHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here’s a little country song I wrote for The Neck……
The Neck is so strong; it’s a country mile long and sturdy as the mighty oak tree
You would have to climb as high as Pikes Peak to see what The Neck can see
He’s The Neck of hope; throws a football on a rope to the Deck and the DMT….
The Neck in Faith; our only plan “A”, there is no “plan B”…..
STRONG IS THE NECK………………………….
LONG LIVES THE NECK……………………………
Thank you John Elway “triple A” grade “A”…. The Neck is made in the USA………..
It was made for Bronco’s Country…. giving hope to you and me…
It’s the Neck to the Deck to the DMT……………. to win the AFC……
Man its gonn’a be a thriller watch’n Dumervil and Miller making NFL history
Rolling over Big Ben,Tom and Phil for all the world to see…
With Wolfe on the gun shutting down the run and Bannan rush’n like a steed
But they’ll take it easy on Ely,,, ever so gently sack Ely,,,, in our Super Bowl victory!!!
STRONG IS THE NECK………………………….
LONG LIVES THE NECK……………………………
Thank you John Elway “triple A” grade “A”…………………..
Everyone get down on one knee and pray…………………….
We need to thank the good Lord each and every day……………………..
That The Neck was made in the USA………..
And the USA is Bronco’s Country from sea to shining sea…
Rocky Mountain High and Fly’n Free…
It’s the Neck to the Deck to the DMT…
Bringing home a Super Bowl Victory…..
ILMSDB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE ME SOME DENVER BRONCOS COUNTRY!!!!!!
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY BRONCOS FAMILY
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Watz up budlight? Was a party night for me until i got old! Now I’m in bed too soon to party…
lbf…still partying here dude!!!!!!!!
OC……THAT ALMOST MADE ME CRY DUDE….ABSOLUTELY THE BEST LITERATURE I’VE ever read in my lifetime dude!!!!!!!!
ILMSDB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A
All hail the neck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are a real Trooper OC…….a”REAL BRONCO FAN”…….
I’m a plastered Basta*d tonight…so lookout…HAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks BLB, hopefully killerkod can come up with a rythm to go with it?
Okay, all the pressure is on you Kod….LOL…
ILMSDB!!!
kod……kod………..kod………….?????????????
OC…If I wasn’t so messed up,I’m sure I could come up with some great stuFF,BUT i’M PLASTERED BRO!!!!!!!
OC…..the new Blog God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE GUY HAS MY VOTE FOR EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hE HAS SENORIORITY AND AGE AND WISDOM BEYOND HIS AGES…….i VOTE FOR OC AS THE NEW BLOG GOD!!!!!!!!
well I’m a blistered Mr……..
happy independence day bud……
Nooooo way, thank you very much… I would rather just be a regular sinnerblogger… No God status for me….. Just a kind soul sitting in the gallery…..lo
Lovely day….
lol
lmao@oc…..I don’t blame you dude…I wouldn’t want it either,LMAO!
But remember one thing bro….you are the ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the chosen one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OC I love that! You are so talented and I can’t wait to hear what Kod comes up with fir thay! Awwwesome!!!!!!
Just FYI I like that you had us playin Eli in the SB because that is my prediction!
LBF, I know that stuff probably won’t happen but I like to reach beyond the stars when it comes to this team!!!!
I’m with ya Cat and great job OC!! I can’t wait, the anticipation is killing me.
Good Morning My Broncos Brothers and Sisters!
I hope all you Americans had a wonderful Independance Day! Great to see you having a great time there beastfromthebudlightbuzzinbronco! LMAO!
Great new song there OC…………….now I see the ball is in my court! lol Won’t be able to get at it this weekend as my parents arrive for a visit today, but I’ll def do something to it. Before you know it, FTR Productions might have a full CD on it’s hands, not just a couple singles! hahahaha
I’ll get my twang on soon enough and you know I’ll post it when it’s done.
Hope you all have a great day out there Broncos Country…………I’ll be checking in throughout the day if anyone wants to chat.
GO BRONCOS!
It’s raining! Really raining! Thank God!!!!!!! Maybe it will help put that Arapaho fire out!!!
Mornin’ Kod!
Mike Klis posted this on twitter:
This story by Packers beat writer Jason Wilde should be read by Broncos. It explains how giving dual coach/GM role to Mike Sherman was worst move made by Packers. http://www.espnmilwauk… The coach/GM role eventually led to undoing of Mike Shanahan in Denver and it buried Josh McDaniels from the get-go. The Broncos learned. John Elway and John Fox represents the ideal system. Now they got to execute like Ted Thompson-Mike McCarthy have.Read more at the Denver Post ›
Here is the original article on NFL.com, but I can’t find any more on the Denver Post website: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82a54207/article/bob-harlan-regrets-naming-sherman-as-packers-gm-
So you might want to check back later. SOOO want to Retweet that to that girl who keeps trying to tell me that making Elway in charge was the dumbest mistake ever. I think it’s the best decision ever!!! LOL
Mike Klis posted this on twitter:
This story by Packers beat writer Jason Wilde should be read by Broncos. It explains how giving dual coach/GM role to Mike Sherman was worst move made by Packers. The coach/GM role eventually led to undoing of Mike Shanahan in Denver and it buried Josh McDaniels from the get-go. The Broncos learned. John Elway and John Fox represents the ideal system. Now they got to execute like Ted Thompson-Mike McCarthy have.Read more at the Denver Post ›
Here is the original article on NFL, but I can’t find any more on the Denver Post website: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82a54207/article/bob-harlan-regrets-naming-sherman-as-packers-gm-
So you might want to check back later. SOOO want to Retweet that to that girl who keeps trying to tell me that making Elway in charge was the dumbest mistake ever. I think it’s the best decision ever!!! LOL
Here’s the espn article, you have to scroll for it: http://espnmilwaukee.com/page.php?page_id=278
morning all. The 4th is my favorite Holiday. The fire put a damper on some things a little but still was a decent day, zero fire works. Better safe than sorry.
Broncos Country:
BLB: Sorry I was not on last night to celebrate the 4th with you. Was out with the Grand Kids watching a pathetic fireworks display. No beer again for FTR. Hope you had a good time.
OC: Well now– FTR productions was getting ready to call your people to see what the delay was while I was drumming my fingers on my plastic folding desk from Wal-Mart and rolling around on my garage sell squeaking chair with no arms. The season is slowly getting closer. But you came through just as you said you would. Loved it my Bronco Bro!! We here at FTR productions now will turn to KK and await his lay down of the tune! LOL
KILLERKOD: Enjoy your time with family. Then it’s time to get to the recording studio and get to work. If you here a thump, thump, thump, thump or a squeaking you know who is waiting. My CD burners are ready. We here at Broncos Country’s know you will do well.
ILMSDB!!!!
LONG LIVE THE NECK!!!
FTR