Matt Araiza signs with Chiefs after rape accuser drops lawsuit

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Matt Araiza was a sixth-round pick in 2022, but he put the league on notice with his booming punts in training camp and preseason games. His powerful leg earned him the nickname "Punt God."

However, shortly before that NFL season was set to begin, Araiza was accused of being involved in a gang-rape of a 17-year-old at a college party at his alma mater of San Diego State University. He was then released by the Buffalo Bills.

Araiza fought to clear his name for roughly 16 months, and developments show as such.

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Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza waves to fans after a preseason NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Orchard Park, N.Y., Saturday, August 13, 2022.  (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)

Now, nearly two years after being drafted, he has agreed to join the back-to-back Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

"I am proud and honored to sign a contract with the Chiefs," Araiza said in a statement through his agency, JL Sports, on X. "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. I am excited to begin the next phase of my career with the Super Bowl Champs!"

Araiza's accuser dropped the lawsuit last December. Prosecutors and the school both said the actions between the two were consensual.

The lawsuit alleged that Araiza had thrown the girl on a bed "face first," and that she had gone in and out of consciousness while having unsolicited sex. The lawsuit added that it lasted an hour and a half, and that she left the room bloodied and crying.

Matt Araiza,