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Adam Vinatieri is having another stellar season for the Indianapolis Colts. The gray haired kicker is now in his 22nd NFL season and has shown no signs of slowing down. Despite missing practice on Wednesday, Vinatieri played against the Houston Texans, and in doing so passed Gary Anderson with the 2nd most points of all-time.
Only Hall of Famer Morten Andersen (2,544) has scored more points in the NFL than @adamvinatieri (2,435). pic.twitter.com/hzLqw2XqIL
— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) November 5, 2017
The 44 year-old knew with a good season he would pass Gary Anderson, but the ultra competitive kicker did mention that the number one spot is in the back of his mind. “At the beginning of this year, I knew with a good season, I could get one (Anderson) and if I have another good year, I could get the second one. So it’s in the back of your mind.”
Vinatieri also said he plans to play next season, barring any injuries: “I know I want to play next year. Would I play another year (after ’18)? I’m not saying no.’’
Adam Vinatieri is officially 2nd in NFL history in points scored (2,438).
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) November 5, 2017
I know for a fact he doesn't plan on finishing his career in 2nd.
Even in today’s win against the Houston Texans, the ageless one hit a 53-yard field goal to extend the Colts lead and force the Texans to play for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. They were unable to get into the end zone and Indianapolis escaped with a win.
Any time a place kicker hits a field goal for over 50 yard it is impressive. For Vinatieri to do it just shy of two months from his 45th birthday, only a few days removed from missing practice due to a back injury, that’s even more impressive.
If Mr. Clutch does continue his career through 2018, he will be 46 years old by season’s end. It appears father time may have finally met it’s match.