Matt Araiza could be getting a second chance in the NFL.
The Jets worked out the free-agent punter Wednesday, The Post’s Brian Costello confirmed, months after prosecutors declined to bring charges against Araiza in relation to an alleged gang rape.
A sixth-round selection by the Bills in the 2022 draft, the former San Diego State punter rose to prominence throughout that preseason due to his explosive punts. In the weeks leading up to the regular season, however, Araiza was accused in a civil lawsuit of being part of a gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at a San Diego house party in October 2021.
Araiza was subsequently released by the Bills after the allegations came to light.
Though the civil suit is still pending, San Diego prosecutors, earlier this month, met with the girl who is alleging the rape to discuss video evidence and witness statements they said indicated Araiza left the party an hour before the alleged incident unfolded.
Prosecutors initially announced in December they would not file charges in the alleged rape.
Wednesday marked the first NFL workout for Araiza, nicknamed “Punt God,” since the Bills released him.
The Jets recently signed veteran punter Thomas Morstead and guaranteed him $1.1 million as part of the one-year deal.
Matt Araiza is seen on the sidelines before a Buffalo Bills preseason game in August 2022. AP
Matt Araiza, who earned the nickname “Punt God,” is seen warming up before a Buffalo Bills preseason game in August 2022. AP“I am aware that the facts of this case have been made public,” Araiza told Pro Football Talk in a statement.
“I am deeply gratified for the thorough work of the DA’s office in San Diego and for all the witnesses that were willing to come forward and tell the truth. I am thankful that the facts of this case as provided by the witnesses will prove that what I have been saying from the beginning is, in fact, the truth.”
