Adam Vinatieri roasts absent Bill Belichick, other NFL legends during HOF induction speech

The 24-year NFL veteran was only getting warmed up, later pivoting to Brady, a five-time Super Bowl MVP and his teammate for six seasons in New England. Vinatieri made vague mention of his appreciation playing alongside the greatest quarterback in Patriots history before sharing his disappointment that Drew Bledsoe couldn't attend.

Vinatieri then poked fun at Hall of Fame quarterback Manning, thanking him "for generously donating your forehead for today's teleprompter."

After all the jokes, Vinatieri ended on a sincere note, expressing thanks to the game itself "for the life you gave me. I hope I honored you as much as you honored me."

NFL insider Steve Wyche wrote on social media he had never "heard a HOF speech with that much hot sauce." During the NFL Network/ESPN telecast, Louis Riddick acknowledged Vinatieri's candor, sharing appreciation for getting "to see the human side."

Throughout his NFL career, Vinatieri, who is responsible for some of the most iconic kicks in league history, was most often seen and not heard. After years ceding the spotlight to much more high-profile coaches and teammates, he made the most of his moment in front of the microphone. After all, you only get enshrined in the Hall of Fame once.