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Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri has had an eventful regular season to say the least. The future hall of fame kicker has struggled through his first two games, which has lead to speculation of an imminent retirement.
Folks thinkin Vinatieri’s retiring.. I sent a text, haven’t gotten a response yet but, I do know that the game’ll miss him if that’s the case.
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 15, 2019
In a game that revolves around points, to have the most, is a pretty legendary thing.. Just a kid from South Dakota
It was an honor . pic.twitter.com/NpHrnPLI0u
However, according to Mike Florio the Colts aren’t ready to give up on “the GOAT.” NBC sports reports:
“Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Colts aren’t ready to give up on Vinatieri, and they hope to persuade him to stay. Either way, they expect to have an answer by Monday afternoon.”
Colts owner Jim Irsay on the future of Adam Vinatieri: @FOX59 pic.twitter.com/M45sz4DFDE
— Chris Hagan (@ChrisHaganIndy) September 15, 2019
Some may raise the question: Why would the team still want Vinatieri on the roster after two consecutive bad outings?
This is a valid question, but it appears the team’s thought process may be: What current free agent kicker would you replace him with? The 46 year-old has been consistent his entire career, and finding someone at or above his level may be difficult.
Either way the team will be taking a risk. You can sign a kicker who wasn’t good enough to make 31 other teams, or you go with the guy who’s made a living knocking down clutch kicks for 24 years, but now is going through a rough streak at 46 years old.
That said, this is the dilemma that the Colts are tasked with. And if the reports are true, the team is trying to go with what they know.