Matt Prater’s NFL career features many highlights, but Sunday’s 48-yard, game-winning extra point topped them all for the Detroit Lions kicker.
“For me personally, that’s up there at the top especially since it’s an extra point. The distance doesn’t matter, you’re expected to make it every time,’’ Prater said. “It just happened to be a really far extra point. It’s definitely the farthest extra point I’ve ever attempted in my life. It was crazy. I’m happy we came through and got the win.’’
Prater is not new to the Lions. He warmed up on the sideline on Sunday in Atlanta when the Lions got the ball, down 22-16, with 64 seconds left.
“Anytime we get the ball with (Matthew) Stafford and a minute or less I’m always confident we’re going to score,’’ Prater said in a Zoom call on Monday. “So I started kicking into the net. Some guys let the emotions get the best of them and start celebrating, so I backed it up.’’
Good idea. Wide receiver Danny Amendola was penalized for ripping off his helmet (unsportsmanlike conduct) after Stafford’s touchdown throw to T.J. Hockenson tied the game at 22-22. That cost the Lions 15 yards making it a 48-yard extra point.
“I basically treated it like a long field goal and swung hard and it went straight so it worked out,’’ Prater said.
It was not new for him, but it was a first-time experience for some of the younger Lions.
“I think everyone was so excited on the sideline because some of the younger guys hadn’t seen him do it yet,’’ Prater added. “As soon as we got the ball I was getting ready but it’s always fun watching Stafford in those minutes.’’
Earlier in the game he had kicked field goals of 50, 51 and 49 yards. But he had missed one from 46 yards.
As it turned out, it didn’t matter. He nailed the one that mattered the most.
The Lions (3-3) face the Indianapolis Colts (4-2) at Ford Field at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
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