Colts: Adam Vinatieri Still Has a Lot Left in the Tank

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Adam Vinatieri
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Adam Vinatieri /
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Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri will turn 46 years old during the 2018 season, but Indianapolis’ star special teamer says he is not retiring any time soon.

The Colts have had the benefit of having one of the most reliable kickers in the league ever since Adam Vinatieri left New England for Indianapolis in 2006.

Vinatieri has nailed nearly 300 field goals at a rate of 86.5% during his 12 seasons with the Colts.

He’s even improved with age as he’s made over 85% of his field goals in each of the last five years after turning 40.

Vinatieri signed a one-year contract extension this offseason to stay in Indianapolis, which could signal that the end is near after 22 years in the NFL.

However, the future Hall of Famer told Colts.com that he’s not looking to collect retirement checks in the near future.

"“I love it as much today as I had when I started 23 years ago,” said Vinatieri. “I’m not looking to hang them up anytime soon, unless something happens that needs to be that way.”"

Vinatieri went on to say he’s got a couple of goals to accomplish before he decides to walk away from the game of football.

First and foremost, he wants to win his fifth Super Bowl ring and he thinks the Colts are in a position to contend under the leadership of Chris Ballard and Frank Reich.

"“…I wanted to play for a team that can win and I feel like Chris Ballard and hiring Frank [Reich], I talked to Frank a little bit as well, I think these two gentlemen can definitely turn this organization around so I’m happy and excited to sign with this team and to see where we can go with it.”"

While Vinatieri has always been a “team first” player, he is nearing one of the most prestigious individual records in NFL history as he is just 57 points behind Morten Andersen to become the league’s all-time scoring leader.

Vinatieri will almost assuredly pass that mark this year as he’s scored over 92 points in all but one NFL season, which was cut short due to injury.

"“Obviously this all-time leading scorer thing I knew was out there and I thought, ‘Man, if I stay healthy, I would like to reach that goal,’” Vinatieri continued. “But for me, like I said before, more importantly if our team is a team that is a contender to continue to make playoffs and have a chance to play in another Super Bowl and stuff, that is a huge, huge driving factor for me.”"

Next: Colts’ Adam Vinatieri Continues to Defy Logic

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