Adam Vinatieri: Extra Kicker, Punter In HOF Might Be Better Than 200th QB
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) -- Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri joined Gregg Giannotti, former Patriots teammate Josh Miller and Jim Colony on The Fan Morning Show Friday to talk about the NFL playoffs and his career.
When it comes to kickers and punters potentially making the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Vinatieri thinks that they should get more consideration than they've gotten in the past.
"I think guys like Gary Anderson and Morten Andersen and some of these guys that played 24, 25 years - if you can do something at a professional level for 25 years, you definitely should at least be talked about in that regard," Vinatieri said. "I don't know how many punters or kickers deserve to be in the Hall of Fame, but I do think the hall could have an extra punter or kicker versus the 72nd offensive or defensive lineman, or the 200th quarterback. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to disrespect any of those guys, but I think punters and kickers make a huge difference in the outcome of a game, I would like to see a couple guys make it in at least- not a bunch, but at least a few at least have the consideration."
He told the guys that he feels he still has a few years left in him, but hopes to get the opportunity to go out on top.
"I'm feeling pretty healthy, and I feel like I haven't lost a lot of strength and I'm still doing it at a fairly high level, so why not keep going?" Vinatieri said. "I don't put a time on it, like, hey, I want two more years, I want three more years. I kind of look at it this way and say, if I'm healthy, if I can do a good job, I'll keep going a year at a time, and see where it's at. I feel like I would love to get one more opportunity to play in the big dance, and boy, if I could win a ring, win that last one, that might be the time to walk away."
He also offered praise for longtime Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
"I think he's maybe one of the greatest, if not the greatest coach of all time," Vinatieri said. "He's just one of the greatest coaches of all time as far as putting the game plan together and making sure the guys understood what to do."
The interview can be heard here: