PHX Reporter

The Arizona Cardinals' starting lineup, with an average age of 26.52 years old, is one of the youngest in the NFL. Among them stands 40-year-old Matt Prater, who made his NFL debut in 2007. Reflecting on his career, Prater noted significant changes in the league.

"It's totally different from when I first got in the league to what it is now," Prater said. "I remember we actually had twice-a-day, full-pad practices, full-tackle (in camp), and I'd be kicking at both of them. But there is a lot more knowledge and we know what's better for your body for the longevity of the season."

In Sunday's game against the Lions, Prater demonstrated his enduring skill by scoring his 1,800th career point after Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kyler Murray connected for a touchdown in the first quarter. He currently holds 1,806 points after two later field goals.

Prater's achievements include holding the NFL record for most career field goals of at least 50 yards with 81 and most PATs in a single season with 75. He also holds the record for most consecutive-made field goals of at least 50 yards with 14 and ranks 15th on the NFL's all-time scoring list.

"He reminds you of how good he is all the time," special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers said. "He takes care of himself very well and as the season goes on, that's something that we're always mindful of with all the specialists, regardless of age."

Prater acknowledged that age has altered his daily routine and approach to games: "As you age, you lose some of the explosiveness, but you try to balance it out with strength," he said. "I don't kick as much as I used to... It's more about staying loose and ready to go."

Despite not winning Sunday's game against Detroit, Prater remains focused on maintaining performance levels: "The 1,800th point is a bit stained since 'we didn't win so it's not as cool.'"

Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing praised Prater's long-range kicking ability: "We're in field goal range a lot sooner than other teams at times... His ability is impressive, and it certainly helps us as a team and as an offense."

Prater needs just 41 more points to climb to 14th on the NFL's all-time scoring list but acknowledges that reaching Adam Vinatieri’s top score may be out of reach: "I have no idea (how much longer), just a day at a time... As long as I play well I'll have an opportunity... Either way I'm just trying to really enjoy this team."

###