Matt Haack Bio
Matthew Scott Haack is an American professional football punter for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet tall and weighing about 205 pounds, he has built a journeyman career across multiple NFL franchises since entering the league in 2017.
A former Arizona State Sun Devils standout, Haack entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins and went on to handle starting and reserve punting duties for several teams. Over the years he has developed a reputation for steady directional punting, solid net averages, and the ability to contribute on special teams trick plays.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Scott Haack was born on July 25, 1994, in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up in the Des Moines area and attended Dowling Catholic High School, from which he graduated in 2013.
During his time at Dowling Catholic, Haack emerged as one of the top kicking prospects in the country. Rivals.com rated him as the No. 15 kicker in the nation and the No. 10 overall prospect in the state of Iowa, reflecting his strong leg and consistent technique as a high school senior.
His high school accomplishments earned him lasting recognition. On September 14, 2018, Haack was inducted into the Dowling Catholic High School and St. Joseph Academy Athletic Hall of Fame for his exemplary career as a prep kicker and punter.
Path to American Football
Haack accepted a scholarship to play college football at Arizona State, where he joined the Sun Devils program in 2013. As a freshman he shared punting duties with several teammates, including Alex Garoutte, Dom Vizzare, and quarterback Taylor Kelly, finishing the season with 16 punts for a 38.3-yard average.
By his sophomore year he had taken control of the role, booming 53 punts for a 43.3-yard average in 2014 and 74 punts for a 43.1-yard average in 2015. That 2015 campaign placed him fifth nationally and fourth in the Pac-12 in punting average, signaling his arrival as one of the conference’s most consistent special teams weapons.
As a senior in 2016, Haack handled every Arizona State punt except for three taken by teammate Manny Wilkins, posting a career-best 44.4-yard average on 66 punts. His final college season also brought him Second-team All-Pac-12 honors, helping push him toward the 2017 NFL process despite going undrafted.
Matt Haack Career
Early Career (2017-2020)
On May 5, 2017, the Miami Dolphins signed Haack as an undrafted free agent to a three-year, $1.67 million contract. He earned the starting punter job as a rookie, beating out incumbent Matt Darr, and made his NFL debut on September 17, 2017, against the Los Angeles Chargers with three punts for a 43.33-yard average.
Over four seasons with the Dolphins, Haack developed into a reliable starter. He was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 9 of the 2018 season after averaging 44.7 yards on nine punts in a 13-6 win over the New York Jets. In a memorable 2019 game against the New York Jets, he completed a one-yard touchdown pass to kicker Jason Sanders, marking the NFL’s first touchdown pass to a kicker since 1977. The Dolphins re-signed him to a one-year, $2.133 million contract in April 2020.
Buffalo Bills Breakthrough (2021-2022)
Haack signed a three-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on March 18, 2021, beginning a new chapter in his career. In his lone season in Buffalo he handled 52 punts for a 42.9-yard average, providing steady directional punting during the Bills’ deep postseason run.
He was released by Buffalo on August 22, 2022, after losing the starting punter job to rookie Matt Araiza. The stint still represented his first multi-year free-agent deal and a fresh opportunity to compete on a championship-caliber roster.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2022)
On August 24, 2022, Haack signed a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts. He handled all of the team’s punting duties during the 2022 season, recording 70 punts for a 44.8-yard average.
His time in Indianapolis was brief but productive, giving him another full season of starter-level reps and confirming his durability across multiple schemes.
Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns Era (2023)
Haack signed with the Arizona Cardinals on May 15, 2023, but was waived on August 21, 2023. Shortly after, on December 26, 2023, he joined the Cleveland Browns practice squad and made an immediate impact, punting three times for a 51.7-yard average against the New York Jets on December 28 before being released on January 2, 2024.
Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, and Jacksonville Jaguars Stints (2024)
On January 17, 2024, Haack re-signed with the Buffalo Bills practice squad after punter Sam Martin suffered a hamstring injury during a playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was released three days later, then re-signed on March 6, 2024, before being released again on May 31. On October 12, 2024, he signed with the New York Giants, making his 100th NFL appearance the following day against the Cincinnati Bengals before being released on November 12. He later signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad on December 3, 2024, and was released on December 10.
Denver Broncos and Return to Arizona Cardinals (2025)
On March 19, 2025, Haack signed a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos, reuniting with his former Dolphins special teams coordinator, Darren Rizzi. He was released by Denver on May 9, 2025. On November 19, 2025, he signed again with the Arizona Cardinals, returning to the franchise where he now serves as a punter.
Driving Style and Strengths
Haack is known for his directional accuracy, consistent hang time, and ability to flip the field with strong net punting averages. Coaches have valued his poise under pressure, his willingness to execute fake punts and trick plays, and his preparation throughout a long professional career that has spanned nearly every division of the AFC and several NFC stops.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most memorable moment of Haack’s career came on December 1, 2019, when he completed a one-yard touchdown pass to kicker Jason Sanders, marking the NFL’s first touchdown pass to a kicker since October 16, 1977. He also reached his 100th NFL appearance on October 13, 2024, against the Cincinnati Bengals, a milestone that reflects his longevity as a special teams contributor.
Matt Haack Career Wins
As a punter, Matt Haack’s statistical résumé is measured in averages, net yards, and team success rather than traditional win totals. Across his NFL career he has consistently produced 42- to 45-yard punting averages and reliable net output, helping multiple franchises manage field position throughout games.
NFL Highlights
Haack’s four seasons as the Miami Dolphins’ starting punter produced his most extensive body of work, including a 45.00-yard average in 2019 and an AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award in 2018. His 2022 season with the Indianapolis Colts, where he averaged 44.8 yards per punt, ranks among his strongest single-season performances.
Other Performances
Haack earned Second-team All-Pac-12 recognition in 2016 after a senior season in which he averaged 44.4 yards per punt at Arizona State, a year that cemented his path to the NFL despite going undrafted.
Matt Haack Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Matt Haack’s parents and broader family background is limited, and confirmed details about a direct football lineage have not been publicly documented.
Personal Life
Haack resides in the United States and maintains a low public profile off the field. He is known primarily for his long professional career as an NFL punter and his continued involvement in football at the highest level.
2025 Season Performance
Haack’s 2025 season began with a one-year deal signed with the Denver Broncos on March 19, reuniting him with special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi. He was released by Denver on May 9, 2025, before the regular season began, ending that stint without regular-season action.
On November 19, 2025, he signed again with the Arizona Cardinals, returning to a franchise he had briefly joined in 2023. His late-season addition provided depth at the punter position during the second half of the year.
Heading into the conclusion of 2025, Haack remained focused on contributing as a veteran punter, leaning on his track record of consistent net averages and special teams reliability that has defined his eight-plus seasons in the NFL.