Over the course of his career, Prater’s daily routine has changed and remains ever-changing in his eyes. Age plays a role in the evolution, as does the trajectory of the sport.
“As you age, you lose some of the explosiveness, but you try to balance it out with strength,” Prater said. “I don’t kick as much as I used to, even during games. It’s more about staying loose and ready to go. I’ve changed up different things here and there. After the season, if I had one reason why I missed more than one kick, I’m going to try to fix that one thing in the offseason, so it doesn’t happen again.”
Prater has been perfect throughout the first three games. The 1,800th point is a bit stained since “we didn’t win, so it’s not as cool.”
Because of Prater’s success from 50-plus yards, the unit often has an opportunity to add to the scoreboard, something that gives offensive coordinator Drew Petzing an underrated level of comfort.
“We’re in field goal range a lot sooner than other teams at times,” Petzing said. “That, as a playcaller, certainly changes the dynamic of how you can operate in certain situations. His ability is impressive, and it certainly helps us as a team and as an offense.”
Prater is 41 points away from climbing to 14th on the NFL’s all-time scoring list. Kicker Adam Vinatieri is first with 2,673 points in his career.
It will be difficult for Prater to reach Vinatieri’s mark, in part because Prater knows he’s closer to the end of his career. His current contract runs out after the season.
Until then, Prater will continue to feel young and bask in the moment.
“I have no idea (how much longer), just a day at a time, year at a time, hoping to have a good season and just make a decision from there,” Prater said. “I think as long as I play well I’ll have an opportunity, possibly, but at the same time, I am 40 years old. Maybe I’ll get an opportunity, but if not, I played 18 years. It’s cool.
“Either way I’m just trying to really enjoy this team, take everything in and all the different experience. I try to share it with teammates and my kids as much as I can. I bring my son around as much as I can and enjoy it as much as I can.”
