Adam Vinatieri announced his retirement from the NFL on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday after 24 legendary seasons. The undrafted kicker initially built his legacy with the New England Patriots—where he spent his first 10 years (1996-2005) as a pro—by hitting unforgettable clutch postseason kicks.
Vinatieri put himself in the conversation for G.O.A.T kicker in his final 14 years (2006-19) with the Indianapolis Colts as he solidified his spot in the league record books. He is the NFL’s all-time leader in points (2,673), field goals (599), consecutive field goals made (44) and games played (397).
With Vinatieri’s career now over, let’s rank the five most memorable kicks of his storied career.
5. Adam Vinatieri becomes leading scorer in NFL history
Date: October 28, 2018
Game: Regular season at Oakland Raiders
Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri became the NFL’s all-time leading scorer, passing Morten Andersen, during this October tilt against the host Oakland Raiders. He made a chip-shot, 25-yard field goal with 29 seconds left in the first half to make history.
#OnThisDay … in 2018, @Colts kicker @adamvinatieri set a new all-time @NFL points record as a second quarter field goal against the @Raiders took him past Morten Andersen's previous mark of 2544. Vinatieri had already claimed @GreatDane2544's record for successful FGs.#NFL100 pic.twitter.com/h1gs3HewyB
— Gridiron (@Gridiron) October 28, 2019
Vinatieri entered the game needing five points to pass Andersen on the all-time scoring list. He hit an extra-point and a field goal in the first quarter prior to his history-making field goal in the second quarter.
4. Game-winning OT kick in blizzard
Date: January 19, 2002
Game: 2001 AFC Divisional Round vs. Oakland Raiders
This was Vinatieri’s second memorable kick (more on that later) of the 2001 AFC divisional round victory over the Raiders. Vinatieri helped the Patriots reach overtime with a couple of field goals in regulation, before knocking down the 23-yarder with 6:31 in overtime.
Feeling nostalgic today. This game was a complete team effort by the Patriots. Vinatieri with the GREATEST kick of all time to tie the game (45 yards) then the game winner after Brady/offense’s 61 yard drive in overtime. The start of a real Dynasty pic.twitter.com/mrCdEtW4y0
— Boston Mike (@boston_sp0rts20) July 16, 2020
The Patriots won the “Snow Bowl”—the final contest ever played at Foxboro Stadium. New England captured its first Super Bowl title in franchise history later that postseason.
3. Wins Super Bowl XXXVIII
Date: February 1, 2004
Game: Super Bowl XXXVIII vs. Carolina Panthers
In one of the most entertaining games in Super Bowl history, the Patriots defeated the Carolina Panthers, 32-29. With the win, the Patriots were crowned champions of the 2003 NFL season, a year in which they won a then franchise-best 14 games.
Adam Vinatieri converted a 41-yard field goal with nine seconds remaining to give the Patriots their second Super Bowl in three seasons.
On this date in 2004, Adam Vinatieri added to his legend with the kick that won Super Bowl XXXVIII 😤
(via @nflthrowback) pic.twitter.com/H0MbiIqsA2
— ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2019
2. “Greatest kick of all-time”
Date: January 19, 2002
Game: 2001 AFC Divisional Round vs. Oakland Raiders
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick heaped praise for his former kicker after Vinatieri announced his retirement. He declared Adam Vinatieri the greatest kicker in pro football history.
Bill Belichick on Adam Vinatieri, who announced he's retiring: "Adam Vinatieri is the greatest kicker of all-time who made the greatest kick of all-time in the 2001 divisional playoffs." https://t.co/X4NFqKJxhn pic.twitter.com/zEqUWyELk5
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 27, 2021
As for the kick, Belichick is referencing Vinatieri’s game-tying, 45-yard field goal in the blizzard during the '01 AFC divisional round. With a half-minute remaining in regulation, Vinatieri drilled the field goal in what seemed like impossible kicking conditions. Vinatieri tied the game at 13 to send the game into overtime in an eventual victory versus the Raiders.
With Adam Vinatieri retiring, a reminder that this is the greatest kick in NFL history. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/5rWGORXJ6i
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) May 26, 2021
1. Adam Vinatieri jumpstarts Patriots’ dynasty
Date: February 3, 2002
Game: Super Bowl XXXVI vs. St. Louis Rams
The Patriots weren’t given much of a chance against St. Louis Rams—then known as “The Greatest Show on Turf.” As 14-point underdogs, the Patriots used a team effort to defeat the Rams. New England’s defense stifled the league’s best offense, limiting them to 17 points. Most notably, Ty Law intercepted a Kurt Warner pass and returned it for a touchdown.
Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady had a mistake-free outing, throwing for 145 yards and a touchdown. But the Patriots still needed Vinatieri to win the game and complete the upset. Adam Vinatieri drilled a 48-yard field goal as time expired to give the Patriots their first Super Bowl title in their 42-year history.
February 3, 2002
Where it all began
Patriots do the improbable and upset the highly favored Rams on a last second Adam Vinatieri FG (20-17)
“Greatest show on turf” held to a measly 17 points
Pats win their 1st Super Bowl, it won’t be the lasthttps://t.co/Ux8FmTYBx1
— Boston Sports Info (@bostonsportsinf) February 3, 2021
The 20-17 victory ignited a dynasty that included six titles and nine Super Bowl appearances.
Follow Us
Subscribe