On Thursday, kicker Matt Gay admitted that he didn't expect to land on an NFL roster so soon after the Washington Commanders released him.
"Guys were having a good year, so I was prepared for my bye week—or Washington's bye week—which I was headed home for," Gay told reporters in the San Francisco 49ers locker room. "Got a call at the airport. It kind of was abrupt. I didn't really see it coming. But again, it's just one of those things that I'm grateful for, blessed to have an opportunity to just continue to kick, wherever that may be."
Gay has played for several NFL teams. He once crushed the 49ers fans' Super Bowl hopes in the NFC Championship Game in 2022, booting the game-winning field goal late to send the Los Angeles Rams to the Super Bowl. Now, he finds himself on the team he once helped eliminate, signing with the 49ers while Eddy Piñeiro is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
When asked about that championship game on Thursday, Gay laughed and jokingly told reporters to "keep it down, keep it down," hoping not to upset any nearby teammates who might have been on that 49ers squad.
Gay spent three seasons with the Rams and earned a Super Bowl ring during that time. Now, he's on the other side of a former rivalry—a reminder of just how unpredictable an NFL career can be.
"It's just it's crazy how you're in L.A., and we're rivals for so long, and you're used to playing against them, and now you're on their team," Gay said. "It's definitely different to see, looking back a couple of years ago, playing that game, and kicking them out.
"But now, I'm Team 49ers. They signed me, I'm wearing the red jersey this time. I just wanna do what I can to help this team win."
As for the kicker he will replace, Piñeiro, Gay said, "He's had a great year here. Watching what he's done here has been awesome, so I'm happy for him."
With Gay now in red and gold, the 49ers hope his veteran leg can help push them closer to a playoff return and keep the kicking game on track while Piñeiro heals.
Matt Gay was asked how he feels about kicking the #49ers out of the NFC Championship back in 2022. He wanted to make sure no one talked about it too loudly. 🤣#FTTB pic.twitter.com/TAXzPkaEIg
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) November 20, 2025