Adam Vinatieri’s Patriots Homecoming Comes Against A Fitting Opponent
New England will honor its Hall of Fame kicker Sunday with the Raiders in town, adding another connection to the postseason that launched the dynasty.
Adam Vinatieri, the Patriots' legendary kicker, is embarking on a homecoming of sorts as the New England Patriots face off against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. This match-up holds particular significance for Vinatieri, as he previously delivered two pivotal field goals against the Raiders during their first championship season in 2001.
Vinatieri's 45-yard field goal tied the AFC divisional playoff game and set up overtime, while his subsequent 23-yard kick secured the victory and propelled the Patriots to the AFC Championship Game. Two weeks later, his 48-yard field goal in the final seconds of Super Bowl XXXVI sealed the Patriots' triumph. Vinatieri's role in those crucial kicks has made him an enduring symbol of the Patriots' success.
As part of a weekend-long celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Patriots' 2001 championship team, Vinatieri will be honored at halftime of the game against the Raiders. The Patriots will present him with his Pro Football Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence, a fitting tribute to his Hall of Fame career. Vinatieri began his NFL career with the Patriots in 1996, playing for the team for a decade before spending another 14 seasons in Indianapolis.
Throughout his career, he amassed an impressive 2,673 points and 599 field goals, winning four Super Bowls between his stints with the Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts.
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