Colts: Montage of all Adam Vinatieri’s Indy game-winners is amazing

The Indianapolis Colts organization was on the receiving end of some disheartening news on Wednesday when Adam Vinatieri announced his retirement.

Vinatieri finished the 2019 season on injured reserve after undergoing knee surgery, and that operation held him out of action for all of last campaign. Despite an admirable comeback attempt, the complications stemming from that surgery ultimately prevented him from playing again.

Vinatieri opened up on his prolonged recovery during an appearance on Morten Andersen’s podcast, which was actually the source of his retirement speculation prior to the official announcement on Pat McAfee’s show.

However, rather than focus on what derailed Vinatieri’s comeback effort, why don’t we reminisce on what was a legendary career through and through? This awesome montage of his game-winners with the Colts sounds like a good place to start.

This montage of Adam Vinatieri’s game-winning kicks with the Colts is amazing.

It’s absolutely mind-boggling to think that Vinatieri has a two-minute long (!) clip of all the game-winners he drilled with the Colts. The future Hall of Famer made 29 such kicks throughout his legendary career, 26 of which came in Indianapolis.

Vinatieri enters retirement possessing the NFL’s all-time record for points scored (2,673), consecutive field goals made (44) and career field goals made (599). His longest field goal was from 57 yards and his career field goal percentage is a ridiculous 83.8%.

Not to rub it in the Patriots’ faces — Vinatieri spent the first 10 seasons of his career in New England — but the three-time Pro Bowler hit field goals at an 85.3% rate with Indianapolis compared to an 81.9% rate with the Colts’ longtime AFC rival.

Extra points might not be viewed as important to some fans, but the fact Vinatieri (874) only trails George Blanda (943) for the all-time record in that category just encapsulates how he tried to perfect every aspect of his game. That’s what separates him from the other all-time greats.

From Vinatieri’s unrivaled clutch gene — beyond his montage of game-winners with the Colts, he helped the Patriots win two championships in the early 2000s — and the consistency he showcased over a two-decade span, you’d be hard-pressed to name a more accomplished kicker in the history of the NFL.

It stinks knowing Vinatieri couldn’t go out on a high note, but very few legends have had that luxury at the end of their respective careers. What Colts fans can take solace in, however, is that he’ll have a bust in Canton once he becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame.

Until then, we wish “Mr. Clutch” nothing but the best in retirement.

Thank You, Adam Vinatieri – a letter to a Colts legend

A heartfelt tribute to an Indianapolis Colts legend. From one fan to another, we all say one thing: Thank you for everything, Adam Vinatieri.