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

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.

Born on March 22, 1996, in Lampeter, Pennsylvania.
Attended Lampeter-Strasburg High School, excelling in both football and soccer.
Recognized 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.

Served as the placekicker for the Lampeter-Strasburg High School football team.
Finished his high school career with 15 of 18 attempted kicks, including 9 of 11 as a senior.
Converted 122 of 126 extra point kicks during his high school career.
Achieved 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.

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

College Achievements

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

Earned American Athletic Conference (AAC) All-Academic Team honors in 2014.
Made 13 of 17 field goal attempts as a redshirt freshman in 2015.
Became one of just 11 Knights to make a 50-yard field goal attempt in 2016.
Set 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.

Made two field goals against Auburn in the Peach Bowl on January 1, 2018.
Contributed to UCF's 13-0 season, despite not making the College Football Playoff.
Set the UCF single-season record for most kicking points scored (119) and most extra points in a season (80).
Earned 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.

Entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers on April 29, 2019.
Later joined the San Francisco 49ers, continuing his professional football career.
Known 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.

As of October 2024, Wright is a placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers.
Signed 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.

Stands 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.

Founded Extreme Instinct in 2005, crafting knives guaranteed for life.
Each knife is hand-built, hand-ground, and hand-sharpened by Wright using materials from the USA.
His 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.

Spent over 300 days surviving with minimal gear.
Featured 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.

Met Brooke at the Castle Rock Gun Show in 2012.
Brooke brought expertise in marketing, advertising, video, and media relations to Extreme Instinct.
Brooke 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.

Believes that the tools one uses can significantly impact their ability to thrive.
Designs 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.

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

Resilience in Business

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

Operated Extreme Instinct out of a small shop in Lakewood during its early days.
Persevered 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

QWhat'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.

QHow 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.

QCan 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.

QHas 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.

QWhat'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.

QHow 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.

QWhat 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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