Latest news with #AdamVinatieri
USA Today
26-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Robert Kraft reveals greatest moment in Patriots history
There have been numerous memorable moments for the New England Patriots throughout the franchise's history. When you think of all of the Super Bowl titles, epic playoff games and major divisional victories, it's hard to pick just one moment as the best. Patriots owner Robert Kraft couldn't name his favorite Super Bowl because they're all special in their own right, but he did offer up his greatest moment with the team. That moment was at Super Bowl XXXVI when the underdog Patriots defeated the St. Louis Rams and "The Greatest Show on Turf." It was February 3, 2002. The Patriots went head-to-head with a stalwart Rams team that included the likes of quarterback Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk and wide receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt. Offensively, the Rams were a juggernaut, averaging 31.4 points per game and 418.1 yards per game. They recorded 503 total points and 6,930 offensive yards. 'Well, there's one thing about when you dream of owning a team, and then you want to win," Kraft told ESPN's Adam Schefter on The Adam Schefter Podcast. "When we went to the Super Bowl in the 2001 season, four months after 9/11, and the country was so messed up, and we were the largest underdog against 'The Greatest Show on Turf', the St. Louis Rams. I'll never forget seeing the clock tick down as Adam Vinatieri makes the kick as time runs out, and we win the Super Bowl. It was just unbelievable." The Patriots upsetting the Rams was a magical moment because it kick-started the greatest dynasty in NFL history. It was also the first Super Bowl win for legendary quarterback Tom Brady and kicker Adam Vinatieri. That moment was extra special because it signaled that Kraft and the Patriots had finally made it. They became a championship team. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
USA Today
15-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Adam Vinatieri makes admission on decision to leave New England
Adam Vinatieri makes admission on decision to leave New England Legendary NFL kicker Adam Vinatieri never wanted to leave the New England Patriots. It all came down to business. Vinatieri wanted a "fair deal" after kicking game-winning field goals in two Super Bowls for the Patriots, but the two sides never agreed on an extension when he became a free agent. It ultimately ended with him leaving the Patriots for the Indianapolis Colts. "Mr. [Robert] Kraft and I had a wonderful conversation last year when I came back [for a game] and cleared the [air] on how it all happened," said Vinatieri, via ESPN's Mike Reiss. "He thought that I just wanted to find a new place. That was absolutely not the situation. I had 10 years with New England and was never a free agent. "After the 10th year, when I became a free agent, I didn't want to leave. I just wanted a fair deal. Negotiations took a different way, and that's different people's philosophies on how they manage the team, or whatever ... but I loved all my time there. To the day I die, there's a huge spot in my heart for the organization and the people in New England. No hard feelings at all, for sure." Vinatieri enjoyed a 10-year run with the Patriots before signing with the Colts. He'd go on to play another 14 seasons in the NFL. There aren't many all-time kicker debates without Vinatieri's name being mentioned. He leads the league in most career points (2,673), most consecutive field goals made (44) and most career field goals made (599). The Patriots recently announced him as one of three nominees for the team's Hall of Fame. Wideout Julian Edelman and guard Logan Mankins are the other two nominees. Vinatieri, without question, played a major role in the Patriots' dynasty, and he clearly deserves to be permanently enshrined at Patriots Place at some point. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
USA Today
14-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Adam Vinatieri's initial reaction to Patriots Hall of Fame nomination
Adam Vinatieri's initial reaction to Patriots Hall of Fame nomination Former New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri shared his thoughts on being a finalist for the Patriots Hall of Fame. The Patriots announced the legendary kicker as one of three finalists to be permanently enshrined. Former wide receiver Julian Edelman and offensive guard Logan Mankins are the other two candidates. Vinatieri was one of the best kickers in NFL history. He holds the NFL record for most career points scored (2,673), most field goals made (599) and most postseason points scored (238). He was also known for being the most clutch kicker in Patriots history. He had game-winning kicks in Super Bowl XXXVI and XXXVIII with the organization. "I was very honored, obviously," Vinatieri said, via ESPN's Mike Reiss. "Lots of great players have come and gone through the Patriots organization. Dynasties were built and rebuilt. Just being recognized as one of the guys who helped lay down the foundation for the years to come is a surreal thing for me." One would think Vinatieri, Edelman and Mankins will all get into the Patriots Hall of Fame at some point. All three were crucial to the greatest dynasty in NFL history and deserve their spot at Patriots Place. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
USA Today
08-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Patriots fans react furiously to Adam Vinatieri Hall of Fame snubbing
Former New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri was snubbed from making the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. It sparked anger on social media as fans voiced their initial reactions to the snubbing. Vinatieri made 599 field goals in his career and 874 extra points. He enjoyed a career that saw him win four Super Bowls, including knocking game-winning kicks through the uprights against the St. Louis Rams at Super Bowl XXXVI and against the Carolina Panthers at Super Bowl XXXVIII. The legendary kicker was the scoring leader in 2004 and even made the NFL's 100 Anniversary All-Time Team. Yet despite all of his accomplishments, it still wasn't enough for him to make the Hall of Fame. One of the most consistent and dependable kickers in NFL history failed to win over the voters. Here's what fans were saying on social media after seeing Vinatieri left out of the Hall of Fame:
USA Today
07-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Colts K Adam Vinatieri doesn't make 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class
Former Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri was not one of the four players a part of the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. This year's class includes Jared Allen, Sterling Sharp, Antonio Gates, and Eric Allen. Vinatieri was one of 15 modern-era finalists for this year's Hall of Fame class, which also included wide receiver Reggie Wayne. This was Vinatieri's first year being eligible for the Hall of Fame. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, in order to be selected, a 50-person selection committee could pick up to five players from that group of 15 finalists to be a part of this year's class. Then, collectively, among the votes received from the 50 voters, a player has to earn a minimum positive vote of 80% in order to make the Hall of Fame. Vinatieri would spend 14 seasons with the Colts. With Indianapolis specifically, Vinatieri made 85.3 percent of his field goal attempts. For his career, which spanned an impressive 24 seasons, Vinatieri made 83.8% of his field goal attempts, and was not only a part of the Colts Super Bowl win in 2006 but was a key member of three New England Super Bowl runs as well. Vinatieri was a three-time Pro Bowler, a three-time All-Pro, a four-time Super Bowl Champion, and was named to the NFL's All-2000s team as well.
