Vinatieri inducted into NFL Hall of Fame

CANTON, Ohio – Adam Vinatieri officially joined the ranks of football immortals Saturday as the South Dakota State University alumnus was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"So here I stand at the top of the mountain, the pinnacle of greatness, the highest achievement in my professional career, and I can officially say my biggest dreams have come true," said Vinatieri during his acceptance speech at Tom Benson Stadium. "As I look out into the crowd, I don't just see Hall of Famers, teammates, coaches, friends and family. I see every person who believed in me, challenged me, sacrificed for me, and played a role in turning my childhood dream into this unforgettable moment. This honor is one that I accept with tremendous gratitude and humility, because I know no one can make it on this stage alone."

Born in Yankton and raised in Rapid City, Vinatieri touched on family and his South Dakota roots several times during his 19-minute speech.

"I don't want to just be remembered for kicking footballs through uprights," Vinatieri said. "I want to be remembered as that kid from South Dakota who never gave up on his dreams, a God-fearing man who loved his family unconditionally, a teammate people could count on, a husband who adored his wife, and a father whose greatest joy was simply being dad."

Vinatieri played at South Dakota State from 1991-94 and earned all-North Central Conference honors both as a kicker (1992) and punter (1992-94). He also was an NCAA Division II All-America selection as a punter by both CoSIDA and Football Gazette his senior season.

Vinatieri set the Jackrabbits' single-season record for punting average at 43.5 yards per attempt in 1994, established an SDSU mark for the longest field goal at 51 yards (accomplished twice) and held the program record for most points scored by a placekicker, at 195. He also set SDSU records for most career PATs, 104, and most career field goals, 27. All his school records have since been broken.

After beginning his professional career in NFL Europe with the Amsterdam Admirals, Vinatieri signed as a free agent with the New England Patriots in 1996. He went on to set 15 NFL records, including 2,673 points, 599 field goals and 21 100-point seasons. He became the NFL's career scoring leader in 2018.

As a member of the Patriots from 1996-2005, Vinatieri played on three Super Bowl-winning teams and kicked game-winning field goals in both Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams and again in Super Bowl XXXVIII versus the Carolina Panthers. He added a fourth championship ring while helping lead Indianapolis to a victory in Super Bowl XLI — his first of 14 seasons with the Colts.

Vinatieri was one of five players in the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, joining quarterback Drew Brees, running back Roger Craig, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and linebacker Luke Kuechly.

Since the first induction ceremony in 1963, 387 players, coaches and contributors have now been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Vinatieri is only the third kicker — and the lone American-born member of that trio — to receive the call and is the second former Jackrabbit in the group, joining Jim Langer, who was inducted in 1987.

Langer who played at SDSU from 1967-69 and also was an All-American in baseball, played center on every offensive down during the Miami Dolphins' perfect season in 1972. He was a first-team All-Pro four times and was selected to play in six Pro Bowl games. Langer played in three Super Bowl games as a member of the Dolphins from 1970-79 before finishing his career with the Minnesota Vikings from 1980-81. He passed away in September 2019.

Both Vinatieri and Langer are among the 23 undrafted players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In closing his remarks Saturday, Vinatieri said a thank-you to the game he played at various levels for nearly four decades.

"It was never just reaching the top. It was the view you gave me along the way, the people I love, the family I cherish, the friendships I've made, and a life richer than I ever dreamed possible. I gave you everything I had, and somehow, you gave me even more in return."