Matt Gay Bio
Matt Gay is an American professional football placekicker born on March 15, 1994. He has played for multiple NFL teams including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, and San Francisco 49ers since being drafted in 2019. Gay is recognized for his accuracy and clutch kicking performances, highlighted by a Super Bowl championship and a Pro Bowl selection.
Early Life and Background
Matt Gay was born in Orem, Utah, where he excelled in both soccer and football at Orem High School, earning first-team honors in both sports. He was notably the first player from Utah to attend the U-17 USA Men’s National Team residency program. After high school, Gay played two seasons of college soccer for the Utah Valley Wolverines before transitioning fully to football.
Gay’s early exposure to competitive sports and his dual-sport background helped develop his athleticism and kicking skills. His education included attending Orem High School and later playing college football at Utah Valley and the University of Utah.
Path to American Football
Gay transferred to the University of Utah in 2017 as a walk-on and quickly established himself as a top collegiate kicker. That year, he became Utah’s seventh consensus All-American and won the prestigious Lou Groza Award as the nation’s best placekicker. He also set a Pac-12 record with 30 field goals in a single season and earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2017 and 2018.
His collegiate success and record-setting performances paved the way for his selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, marking his transition to professional football.
Matt Gay Career
Early Career (2019)
Matt Gay was drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He made his professional debut in the season opener, converting two extra points and one field goal. However, his rookie season included some struggles, such as missed field goals and extra points, leading to his release by the Buccaneers in September 2020.
Los Angeles Rams Breakthrough (2020–2022)
In November 2020, Gay was signed by the Los Angeles Rams off the Indianapolis Colts practice squad. He quickly made an impact, including a game-winning field goal against his former team, the Buccaneers, during a Monday Night Football matchup. In 2021, Gay converted 32 of 34 field goal attempts and was named to his first Pro Bowl. He played a key role in the Rams’ playoff success, including a game-winning field goal in the NFC divisional round, and won Super Bowl LVI with the team.
During the 2022 season, Gay continued to perform well, including making a 57-yard field goal in the opening game and a game-winning extra point in week 14. The Rams placed a restricted free agent tender on him in March 2022, underscoring his value to the team.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2023–2024)
Matt Gay signed a four-year, $22.5 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts in March 2023, which was the largest free-agent contract for a kicker in NFL history at that time. In Week 3 of the 2023 season, he became the first kicker in NFL history to make four field goals of 50 yards or more in a single game, including an overtime game-winner. Despite his strong performances, Gay was released by the Colts in April 2025.
Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers (2025)
In April 2025, Gay signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders, which included the highest guaranteed amount for a kicker on a one-year deal in NFL history. His time with the Commanders included some missed long-range field goals and a narrow loss in an international game in Madrid. He was released by the Commanders in November 2025. Later that year, Gay joined the San Francisco 49ers practice squad but was released in December 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Matt Gay is known for his strong leg and accuracy, particularly on long-distance field goals. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver clutch kicks has been a defining feature of his career. His consistency on extra points and field goals has made him a valuable asset to every team he has played for.
Notable Events and Milestones
Gay’s career highlights include winning Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, and setting NFL records such as making four 50+ yard field goals in a single game. His collegiate accolades, including the Lou Groza Award and consensus All-American honors, also stand out as significant milestones.
Matt Gay Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Matt Gay has been a reliable scorer for his teams, contributing numerous game-winning field goals and consistent scoring performances. His record-setting achievements and playoff successes underscore his impact as a top-tier placekicker.
NFL Highlights
Gay’s first NFL win came early in his tenure with the Rams, where he quickly became a key contributor. His most notable victories include playoff wins that led to a Super Bowl championship. His precision and clutch kicking have been instrumental in several close games.
Other Wins & Performances
In college, Gay set records for consecutive field goals and field goals in a game. He was a finalist and winner of multiple awards recognizing his kicking excellence, which helped launch his professional career.
Matt Gay Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Matt Gay’s family background beyond his immediate family are limited. He is married to Millie and is a father to three children named Oliver, Oaks, and Cosette.
Personal Life
Matt Gay is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission in Houston, though it was cut short due to depression. He honors his late high school teammate Parker Overly by wearing a wristband with the initials “P.O.” during games. Gay’s family life is centered around his wife Millie and their three children.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Matt Gay signing with the Washington Commanders on a record-setting one-year contract for a kicker. Despite some missed field goals in critical moments, he remained a key figure in the team’s special teams unit. His tenure with the Commanders ended in November 2025, followed by a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad. The season reflected both challenges and Gay’s continued presence in the NFL landscape.