NFL community celebrates Adam Vinatieri's retirement
The most accomplished kicker in NFL history is hanging up his cleats.
Adam Vinatieri announced he's planning to retire during a Wednesday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. The decision comes after the former Patriots and Colts star set numerous records, won four Super Bowls and connected on some of the game's most legendary kicks.
After 24 NFL seasons, Vinatieri is a future Hall of Famer and the arguable G.O.A.T. at his position. Below is a selection of the reactions to his retirement from around the league, beginning with esteemed words from his former Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
"Adam Vinatieri is the greatest kicker of all-time who made the greatest kick of all-time in the 2001 divisional playoffs," Belichick said in a statement released by the Patriots. "His consistency, mental toughness and performance under pressure was legendary. I am honored to have coached Adam, going all the way back to his rookie year in 1996 and through some of the most special moments in Patriots and league history. Adam is in the rarest of echelon of athletes whose career accomplishments may never be matched."
Respect & admiration.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 27, 2021
Robert Kraft's remarks on what will go down as a Hall of Fame career for @adamvinatieri. pic.twitter.com/42lNcr5qLD
Adam Vinatieri retires as one of the best players in NFL history who provided some of the most memorable and historic moments in our game. We are extremely thankful for Adam’s contributions to the Colts and football, and congratulate him on a phenomenal career!
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) May 27, 2021
The Greatest. pic.twitter.com/dnT2YVUJO1
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 26, 2021
Far & away, the greatest.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 27, 2021
Congratulations on a legendary career, @adamvinatieri! pic.twitter.com/o93kL57FY8
See you at the old folks home bubs. Congrats on the career @adamvinatieri #MrClutch https://t.co/eokaqPCPCK
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) May 26, 2021
People use the term G.O.A.T. loosely these days. But @adamvinatieri is truly a 🐐. Congrats on your retirement bro. It was a pleasure to sit back and watch #greatness for many years. #Automatic #colts @Colts pic.twitter.com/5Ql8K0pG0s
— Reggie Wayne (@ReggieWayne_17) May 26, 2021
This was no kicker....V was a football player. Congrats bro! All love 👊🏽 https://t.co/Xm1VZPnoRI
— Tedy Bruschi (@TedyBruschi) May 26, 2021
@adamvinatieri put #AllTheDamnRESPECKonit, salute the the Hands Down GREATEST OF ALL TIME.
— ROBERT MATHIS QBH8r (@RobertMathis98) May 26, 2021
Leader. Legend and one great teammate. Congratulations bro! 🐐 https://t.co/dYtntrB1pT
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) May 26, 2021
Next stop @ProFootballHOF https://t.co/hBq16FHFFK
— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) May 26, 2021
With the news of @adamvinatieri's retirement announcement today, he would first be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2025. His last game played was during the 2019 season.@Patriots | @Colts pic.twitter.com/gjVGX5Q5d5
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) May 26, 2021
Salute to a legend! Best to ever do it. First Ballot Hall of Famer 🧥🐐 pic.twitter.com/KRWNslHpEU
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) May 26, 2021
Thank you Vinny. 💙 pic.twitter.com/jxGBePEizf
— Colts Community (@coltscommunity) May 26, 2021