At the beginning of the week, it was announced that the Denver Broncos had reached an agreement with Kicker Matt Prater on a four-year deal that would pay him $13 Million, with a signing bonus of nearly $3 Million and removing the franchise tag he was given before free agency.
Prater has played for the Broncos for five years and he’s been undoubtedly clutch for them, converting more than 80% of his kicks during his tenure with four game winning kicks this last season during what was dubbed Tebowmania.
But now with his new contract, Prater will be able to call Denver home for the first time, despite already being there for five years.
He told He told C.J. and Kreckman of 102.3 ESPN in Denver that, during his prior time with the team, he’s lived in a Hotel. “I’m actually in the process of looking for a condo or townhouse, because I’ve actually lived in a hotel for the last five years,” Prater said “So I’m excited about moving out of the hotel. I bought a house in Florida a couple years ago and just out here, it was real convenient for me. I was going two years in a row on a one-year deal so I didn’t want to buy a place and have to move.”
AP Photo
During his career he’s nailed a few from 50 yards or more, and says those are his favorite ones to kick “I like kicking those longer ones; I don’t know why, I just expect to make them every time…. I think just the situation of the game, and then getting to hit another 50-yarder in overtime to win it was pretty awesome.”
He’s been pretty clutch for the Broncos and because of his leg, they were able to slip into the Playoffs for the first time in six years.
He also talked about the addition of Peyton Manning to the team and how it would affect him. “I kind of just don’t expect anything, just be ready to kick. With Peyton coming to town, obviously I think we’re going to score more points, so there will be more extra points and more kickoffs for me. I’m not opposed to kicking extra points instead of field goals. It makes my job a lot easier.”
It’s a bit surprising to know that a player that’s been in the same city for so long would be living in a Hotel, but some say the NFL stands for Not For Long, and with some kickers that has been proven true. With his new deal, he’ll be able to sleep comfortably in his own bed, in his own house.
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Sports-Kings Executive Editor – Justin Arbogast @NFLGuy_SK
The post Broncos Kicker lived in a Hotel for 5 Years appeared first on DOWN & DISTANCE.
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July 06, 2012
