GOAT, greatest of all time. This phrase, or acronym brings Peyton Manning to the minds of Colts fans. Although Manning only received two votes for GOAT quarterback from the NFL insiders polled by ESPN. Another legendary Colt made the list as the greatest kicker of all time. Indianapolis Colt Adam Vinatieri is the GOAT at his position.
Adam Vinatieri Is GOAT Kicker
That’s right, Adan Vinatieri received 22 out of the 50 possible votes to win this prestigious title. “Vinatieri’s 397 games (including playoffs) are the most by any player, as are his field goals made (599), consecutive field goals made (44) and career seasons with 100-plus points (21),” NFL writer Jeff Legwold of ESPN wrote. “But he might have an even stronger case here, given he kicked the game winner in two Super Bowls and made 56 field goals in playoff games, including going 5-of-7 from at least 50 yards.”
Colts fans are well familiar with Vinatieri’s clutch factor. “It comes down to clutch kicks. Vinatieri is far and away the leader in that department, nailing 39 kicks in the final two minutes of regulation or overtime to either tie or give his team the lead, according to Football Outsiders.” wrote Eagles Reporter Tim McManus.
Yes Vinatieri’s clutch factor was unmatched, but his consistency is what sticks in my memory. Being a young Colts fan Vinatieri was all I knew as far as Colts kickers. Every time he stepped up for a kick, you felt like he was going to split the uprights. He did this for 14 seasons for the Colts, and if you exclude his rough final season he had a field goal percentage of about 86% with the franchise.
It is awesome as a Colts fan for our players, current or past, to get the recognition they deserve. Adam Vinatieri is so deserving for what he did for his entire career not just with the Colts.
An Honorable Mention has to go to Justin Tucker who got edged out by a singular vote.
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