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    40 Facts About Matthew Wright

    Tawsha Halcomb

    Written by Tawsha Halcomb

    Modified & Updated: 09 Mar 2025

    Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
    40-facts-about-matthew-wright
    Source: Spin.ph

    Who is Matthew Wright? Matthew Wright is a man of many talents. Born on March 22, 1996, in Lampeter, Pennsylvania, he has made his mark in American football, custom knife making, and photography. From breaking records as a placekicker at the University of Central Florida to crafting high-quality knives through his business, Extreme Instinct, Wright's journey is nothing short of inspiring. He even showcased his survival skills on Discovery Channel’s “Naked and Afraid.” Currently, he kicks for the San Francisco 49ers and runs Wright Photo Studios in Worcester. Wright's story is a testament to resilience, versatility, and passion.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Matthew Wright's football journey from high school to the NFL showcases his record-breaking achievements and resilience, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to success in sports.
    • Beyond football, Matthew Wright's passion for custom knife making, survival skills, and photography highlights his diverse talents and entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring others to pursue their passions and build successful careers.
    Table of Contents
    01Early Life and Education
    02High School Football Career
    03College Football Career
    04College Achievements
    05National Championship
    06Professional Football Career
    07Current Team
    08Physical Attributes
    09Custom Knife Making
    10Survival Skills
    11Business Partner
    12Empowerment Through Tools
    13Photography Career
    14Resilience in Business
    15Matthew Wright: A Multifaceted Talent

    Early Life and Education

    Matthew Wright's journey began in Lampeter, Pennsylvania, where his early years were marked by a passion for sports and academics.

    1. 01Born on March 22, 1996, in Lampeter, Pennsylvania.
    2. 02Attended Lampeter-Strasburg High School, excelling in both football and soccer.
    3. 03Recognized as a Pennsylvania Football News Class AAA First-team and a Section Two First-team All-Star.

    High School Football Career

    Wright's high school football career set the stage for his future success in the sport.

    1. 04Served as the placekicker for the Lampeter-Strasburg High School football team.
    2. 05Finished his high school career with 15 of 18 attempted kicks, including 9 of 11 as a senior.
    3. 06Converted 122 of 126 extra point kicks during his high school career.
    4. 07Achieved a high school career-long field goal of 42 yards.

    College Football Career

    Wright's college years at the University of Central Florida (UCF) were filled with record-breaking performances.

    1. 08Played college football at UCF, becoming the primary placekicker for four seasons.
    2. 09Set UCF records for most career points (375), most field goals made (55), and most extra points (212).
    3. 10Achieved 153 consecutive made PATs, a UCF record.
    4. 11Holds the UCF record for the best career kicking percentage (.774).

    College Achievements

    Wright's college career was decorated with numerous accolades and achievements.

    1. 12Earned American Athletic Conference (AAC) All-Academic Team honors in 2014.
    2. 13Made 13 of 17 field goal attempts as a redshirt freshman in 2015.
    3. 14Became one of just 11 Knights to make a 50-yard field goal attempt in 2016.
    4. 15Set the UCF single-game extra points record (10) against Austin Peay.

    National Championship

    Wright played a crucial role in UCF's claim to a National Championship.

    1. 16Made two field goals against Auburn in the Peach Bowl on January 1, 2018.
    2. 17Contributed to UCF's 13-0 season, despite not making the College Football Playoff.
    3. 18Set the UCF single-season record for most kicking points scored (119) and most extra points in a season (80).
    4. 19Earned Second-team All-AAC honors for his 2017 kicking efforts.

    Professional Football Career

    Wright's transition to professional football saw him making significant contributions to various teams.

    1. 20Entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers on April 29, 2019.
    2. 21Later joined the San Francisco 49ers, continuing his professional football career.
    3. 22Known for breaking the Jacksonville Jaguars' 20-game losing streak with two fourth-quarter field goals.

    Current Team

    Wright's current role in the NFL showcases his ongoing dedication to the sport.

    1. 23As of October 2024, Wright is a placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers.
    2. 24Signed a one-year deal with the 49ers on October 8, 2024.

    Physical Attributes

    Wright's physical attributes have been crucial to his success as a placekicker.

    1. 25Stands at 5 feet 11 inches and weighs 174 pounds.

    Custom Knife Making

    Beyond football, Wright has made a name for himself in the world of custom knife making.

    1. 26Founded Extreme Instinct in 2005, crafting knives guaranteed for life.
    2. 27Each knife is hand-built, hand-ground, and hand-sharpened by Wright using materials from the USA.
    3. 28His training in the U.S. Air Force enhanced his understanding of the importance of reliable tools.

    Survival Skills

    Wright's survival skills have been tested and proven in extreme conditions.

    1. 29Spent over 300 days surviving with minimal gear.
    2. 30Featured on Discovery Channel’s “Naked and Afraid,” demonstrating his survival abilities.

    Business Partner

    Wright's business success is also attributed to his partnership with his wife, Brooke.

    1. 31Met Brooke at the Castle Rock Gun Show in 2012.
    2. 32Brooke brought expertise in marketing, advertising, video, and media relations to Extreme Instinct.
    3. 33Brooke is a certified 2nd-degree black belt in Taekwondo.

    Empowerment Through Tools

    Wright's mission is to empower people through quality gear and skill sets.

    1. 34Believes that the tools one uses can significantly impact their ability to thrive.
    2. 35Designs custom knives for various purposes, from everyday use to survival and hunting.

    Photography Career

    Wright's talents extend to photography, where he has built a successful career.

    1. 36Owns Wright Photo Studios in Worcester.
    2. 37His portfolio includes work with area colleges, local hospitals, and businesses.
    3. 38Builds trust with his subjects through respect, kindness, and curiosity.

    Resilience in Business

    Wright's resilience has been a key factor in his business success.

    1. 39Operated Extreme Instinct out of a small shop in Lakewood during its early days.
    2. 40Persevered through challenges, selling knives on his website, local expos, and to hunting clients.

    Matthew Wright: A Multifaceted Talent

    Matthew Wright's journey is nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as a standout high school football player to setting records at UCF, his dedication to American football is evident. But his talents don't stop there. Wright's passion for custom knife making led to the creation of Extreme Instinct, where he crafts high-quality knives with precision and care. His survival skills, showcased on Discovery Channel’s “Naked and Afraid,” highlight his resilience and adaptability. Additionally, Wright's work as a photographer has earned him recognition and respect in the community. His commitment to excellence, whether on the football field, in the workshop, or behind the camera, is truly inspiring. Wright's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, skill, and a relentless pursuit of one's passions. His legacy continues to inspire and empower others to strive for greatness.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What's so special about Matthew Wright?
    Matthew Wright, a name that might ring bells for some, has a knack for making headlines. Whether it's his sharp wit on television or his passionate views on current events, this guy knows how to leave an impression. His journey, filled with ups and downs, showcases resilience and the ability to stay relevant in a fast-paced world.
    How did Matthew Wright become famous?
    Fame knocked on his door through his role as a television presenter and journalist. Known for his fearless approach to discussions and debates, Wright carved out a niche for himself in the media industry. His ability to tackle a wide range of topics with ease and insight catapulted him into the spotlight.
    Can you tell me something unexpected about him?
    Sure, despite his tough exterior on screen, Wright has a soft spot for environmental causes. He's not just all talk; he walks the walk by actively participating in campaigns and initiatives aimed at protecting our planet. This side of him shows a depth that goes beyond his public persona.
    Has Matthew Wright won any awards?
    Yes, his contributions to television and journalism haven't gone unnoticed. Over the years, Wright has been the recipient of several accolades, celebrating his knack for engaging audiences and sparking meaningful conversations. These awards are a testament to his impact on the media landscape.
    What's one of the biggest challenges he's faced?
    Like many public figures, Wright has had his fair share of controversies. Navigating the choppy waters of public opinion while staying true to his beliefs has been a significant challenge. Yet, he's managed to turn these obstacles into opportunities for growth and learning.
    How does Matthew Wright engage with his audience?
    Wright's approach to audience engagement is pretty straightforward – he's all about authenticity. Whether it's through social media or his television appearances, he ensures there's a genuine connection. His willingness to share personal stories and opinions helps bridge the gap between him and his viewers.
    What future projects can we expect from him?
    While specifics might be under wraps, Wright's track record suggests he's not one to rest on his laurels. Expect him to tackle new challenges, whether it's exploring fresh topics on television or lending his voice to causes close to his heart. One thing's for sure, he'll keep pushing boundaries and sparking dialogues.

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