Vinatieri was a finalist for the first time this year.
Adam Vinatieri’s Hall of Fame case will have to wait at least another year.
Despite being named a finalist in his first year of eligibility, Vinatieri was not apart of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Among the 15 finalists, this year’s class includes just four honorees: DE Jared Allen, WR Sterling Sharpe, CB Eric Allen, and TE Antonio Gates.
Vinatieri ended a 24-year career with four Super Bowl championships as a member of both the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. He retired as the league’s all-time leader in both career field goals made (599) and points (2,673).
His 56 career postseason field goals was another league’s best headlined by some of the more memorable kicks in NFL history, such as two last-second makes in Super Bowl victories and a 45-yard make in the Snow Bowl back in 2001 — labeled by many as the greatest kick of all-time.
“Adam Vinatieri is the greatest kicker of all-time who made the greatest kick of all-time in the 2001 divisional playoffs,” Bill Belichick said in a statement back in 2021 following the kickers retirement. “His consistency, mental toughness and performance under pressure was legendary. I am honored to have coached Adam, going all the way back to his rookie year in 1996 and through some of the most special moments in Patriots and league history. Adam is in the rarest of echelon of athletes whose career accomplishments may never be matched.”
During his time with the Patriots, Vinatieri additionally earned two Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro nods. He was named to the Patriots All-1990s, All-2000s, 50th Anniversary, and All-Dynasty team.
Vinatieri was then eventually named to the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team after spending the last 14 years of his career with the Colts.
He’ll now look to become the third kicker elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame — joining Jan Stenerud and Morten Andersen — next year.