Matt Bryant, known for his reliability as a placekicker, had a long and productive career in the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 29, 1975, in Orange, Texas, Bryant attended Bridge City High School before playing college football at Trinity Valley Community College and later at Baylor University. Despite going undrafted in the 1999 NFL Draft, his persistence eventually led him to the NFL.
Bryant's professional journey began with the New York Giants, where he signed as a free agent in 2002. During his rookie season, he demonstrated his potential by converting 26 of 32 field goal attempts. His performance with the Giants laid the groundwork for his future in the league. After his stint with the Giants, Bryant spent a brief period with the Indianapolis Colts and the Miami Dolphins, although he did not see regular-season action with these teams.
In 2004, Bryant found a more stable role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Over four seasons with the Buccaneers, he became a reliable scoring option. One of his most memorable moments came in 2006 when he kicked a 62-yard game-winning field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles, one of the longest in NFL history at the time. This kick underscored his ability to perform under pressure and from long distances.
Bryant's career took another positive turn when he joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2009. His tenure with the Falcons proved to be the most extended and productive phase of his career. Over ten seasons, he became the franchise's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Morten Andersen's previous record. Bryant's consistency was a vital asset for the Falcons, particularly during their 2016 season when they reached Super Bowl LI. Although the Falcons ultimately lost to the New England Patriots, Bryant's contributions throughout the season were invaluable.
Throughout his time with the Falcons, Bryant was known for his accuracy and ability to deliver in clutch situations. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2016, further cementing his reputation as one of the league's top kickers. Despite his advancing age, Bryant maintained a high level of performance, which was a testament to his skill and professionalism.
In 2019, the Falcons released Bryant, but he briefly returned to the team later that year before being released again. His career statistics include over 85% of field goals made and more than 1,700 points scored, placing him among the top scorers in NFL history.
Off the field, Bryant faced personal challenges, including the tragic loss of his infant son in 2008. He and his family established the Matthew Tryson Bryant Foundation in memory of their son, focusing on helping families dealing with the loss of a child.
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