Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Matt Gay

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 10, 2026

Discover the career path of Matt Gay, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Matt Gay is a professional American football placekicker. He played college football at the University of Utah before being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his NFL career, Gay has also played for the Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, and San Francisco 49ers. He is known for his kicking abilities in the NFL.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2012: Graduation and College Soccer Career

In 2012, after graduating from Orem High School, Matt Gay played two seasons of soccer for the Utah Valley Wolverines.

2017: Transfer to Utah Utes and Lou Groza Award

In 2017, Matt Gay transferred to the Utah Utes football team and won the Lou Groza Award and the Vlade Award. He also led the nation in field goals and set a Pac-12 Conference record with 30 field goals.

2018: School Records and All-Pac-12 Honors

In 2018, Matt Gay set school records for consecutive field goals and field goals in a game, and he received first-team All-Pac-12 honors.

2019: Drafted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In 2019, Matt Gay was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the NFL draft.

September 5, 2020: Waived by the Buccaneers

On September 5, 2020, Matt Gay was waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

September 15, 2020: Signed to Colts Practice Squad

On September 15, 2020, Matt Gay was signed to the Indianapolis Colts practice squad.

November 17, 2020: Signed by the Los Angeles Rams

On November 17, 2020, Matt Gay was signed off the Colts' practice squad by the Los Angeles Rams to replace injured kicker Kai Forbath.

2021: Pro Bowl Selection and Super Bowl Title

In 2021, Matt Gay converted 32 of 34 field goal attempts and 48 of 49 points after touchdown, and was named to his first Pro Bowl. He also won his first Super Bowl title with the Rams.

March 15, 2022: Restricted Free Agent Tender

On March 15, 2022, the Rams placed an original-round restricted free agent tender on Matt Gay.

2022: Fine for Uniform Violation and Game-Winning Kick

In 2022, Matt Gay was fined $5,000 for a uniform violation, and he made the game-winning extra point in Week 14.

March 17, 2023: Signed with the Colts

On March 17, 2023, Matt Gay signed a four-year, $22.5 million contract with the Colts, the largest free-agent contract for a kicker in NFL history at the time.

April 10, 2025: Released by the Colts

On April 10, 2025, Matt Gay was released by the Indianapolis Colts.

April 29, 2025: Signed with the Commanders

On April 29, 2025, Matt Gay signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders for $5 million with $4.25 million guaranteed, which was the highest guaranteed amount on a one-year contract to a kicker in NFL history at the time.