Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Matt Gay

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

Matt Gay is an American professional football placekicker. He played college football for the Utah Utes before being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He last played for the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2012: College Soccer Career

In 2012, after graduating high school, Matt Gay played two seasons of soccer for the Utah Valley Wolverines.

2017: Transfer to Utah Utes Football Team

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 new 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, receiving first-team All-Pac-12 honors.

September 22, 2019: Struggles Against the New York Giants

On September 22, 2019, playing against the New York Giants, Matt Gay missed two field goals, one extra point, and had an extra point blocked.

2019: Drafted by the 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.

2021: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2021, Matt Gay was named to his first Pro Bowl after converting 32 of 34 field goal attempts and 48 of 49 points after touchdown.

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 Extra Point

In 2022, Matt Gay was fined $5,000 for his pants not covering his knees and made a 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, becoming the highest-paid free-agent kicker in NFL history at the time.