Adam Vinatieri is an Indianapolis Colts Legend

Not many football players play into their fourties. Not many players have played in the league before some of his teammates were even born. There is no other player that has scored more points in NFL history. Not many players are like Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri.

Adam Vinatieri of the Indianapolis Colts made NFL history when he broke Morten Anderson‘s long-standing record for the most points scored in league history on Sunday.

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The 45 year old kicker drafted in 1996 has contributed 2,550 points in his 23 years in the league. Vinatieri was kicking field goals before I was born, which seems pretty insane to me. The sure fire hall-of-famer has spent his last 13 years in Indianapolis, after starting out his career with the New England Patriots.

Vinatieri has earned the nickname ‘Mr. Clutch’ for his ability to kick in big situations, which he has done often. With New England, Vinatieri knocked down game winning field goals in many huge scenarios. He kicked a game-winner in the infamous ‘Tuck Rule’ game during a blizzard. He later went on to kick game-winning field goals in Super Bowls 36 and 38.

For the Colts, Vinatieri has been automatic. In his 23 year career, he is 573/679, good for 84.4%.  Vinatieri is essentially sure to make extra points, with a 98.2% career percentage. Vinatieri has been named to 18 (!) AFC special teams player of the week awards, including this past Sunday.

It is not often we talk about kickers, but Adam Vinatieri has been a special breed of kicker. A breed that only comes around once a generation.  Vinatieri could be referred to as the ‘Michael Jordan of kickers’.  Many believe he is the greatest to ever do it, and there is not much to dissent that.

When you think of Indianapolis Colts greats, who do you think of? Peyton Manning, Johnny Unitas, Marshall Faulk, Marvin Harrison?

You can now add Adam Vinatieri to that list.