Matt Araiza is making his NFL return.
Nicknamed the “Punt God,” Araiza has signed with the Chiefs, his agency JL Sports announced on Thursday.
Araiza, whom the Bills drafted in the sixth round in 2022, was cut by Buffalo right before the 2022 NFL season began after he and other former college teammates were accused of gang rape at an off-campus party at San Diego State University.
In late 2022, San Diego’s district attorney Summer Stephan announced Araiza would not be charged in the case.
“We are proud to announce that our client @matt_araiza has signed with the @Chiefs,” Araiza’s agency tweeted on Thursday afternoon.
“We are grateful to Brett Veach, coach Reid and the @Chiefs organization for giving Matt this opportunity. Matt has been to hell and back in the last 18 months. He has handled himself with grace.”
Araiza also issued a statement through his agency.
“I am proud and honored to sign a contract with the @Chiefs,” Araiza said.
“I am thrilled to be able to continue my NFL career. I want to thank my family, who have been my rock and my many friends who have been unwavering in their support.”
Stephan, the San Diego district attorney, expressed doubt that he would have been able to win a conviction when there were no charges.
“Ultimately, prosecutors determined it is clear the evidence does not support the filing of criminal charges and there is no path to a potential criminal conviction,” the district attorney said at the time. “Prosecutors can only file charges when they ethically believe they can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
It later was revealed that prosecutors said that Araiza had not been present at the party at the time of the alleged rape.
The Chiefs, the recent Super Bowl champions, have had Tommy Townsend at punter for the last four seasons.
In 2022, Townsend was a first-team All-Pro at the position.
Townsend is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.