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Adam Vinatieri Reacts to Patriots' Hall of Fame Nomination

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Davis | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 12:07 PM ET

One of the most pivotal players in New England Patriots history could join the team's hall of fame his year.

The Patriots nominated former kicker Adam Vinatieri, who had his first year of eligibility after a stellar career between 1996 and 2005. Vinatieri kicked the game-winning field in the team's first Super Bowl win during the 2001 season, in addition to many other big moments.

"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."

The Patriots signed Vinatieri as an undrafted free agent in 1996 out of the former Division II program South Dakota State. Vinatieri immediately became a reliable kicker for the Patriots, and he kicked in four Super Bowls for the team.

His first came as a rookie in the 1996 season when the Patriots fell to the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl. Vinatieri then kicked game-winners in Super Bowl wins over the then-St. Louis Rams and Carolina Panthers in 2002 and 2004, respectively.

"Those last couple of seconds, it almost felt like it was slow-mo and everything went away, all the crowd noise. ... You work your entire life for a moment like that," Vinatieri said via Reiss. "When it happens, and you get to celebrate with all the guys that you fought all season long with, what a wonderful feeling."

"To this day, I feel like the guys on those teams that we won championships with — they are as much my brothers as my siblings' blood brothers are," Vinatieri added. "One of the greatest memories of my life."

Vinatieri finished his career with the Indianapolis Colts in 2018 where he previously signed as a free agent in 2006. He won four Super Bowls overall between his stints with the Patriots and Colts.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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