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Despite heavy speculation after two bad games, it appears an early retirement is not in the cards for Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri.
This news comes in lieu of Sunday’s victory over the Tennessee Titans, where Vinatieri missed two extra points. Following the game, the 46 year-old said: ”you’ll hear from me tomorrow.” When told he was not scheduled to speak to and will not see reporters on Monday, Vinatieri replied, “Yeah, you will.”
Later Sunday evening, NBC Sports reported that the team was trying to talk the NFL’s all time leading scorer out of retirement.
Just said on NBC that it’s safe to assume Adam Vinatieri is leaning toward retirement. However the Colts aren’t throwing in the towel. They want him to stay. Final decision is expected by tomorrow afternoon.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 15, 2019
Whether or not the Colts actually talked Vinatieri out of retirement remains to be made clear. That being said, Head Coach Frank Reich spoke with media, and continued his unwavering support for his struggling kicker:
“I know there’s been a lot of discussion about Adam.. (I) Just want to make this clear: Adam’s our kicker. We have zero concerns.
“He’s not only our kicker, he’s an instrumental leader on our team. When we talk about toughness and what we’re all about as a team and a program, there’s probably no one who epitomizes that more than Adam.
“Just wanted to make that clear.’’
Reich: Meet with Adam today? Did have discussion. That's private. Adam will catch up with you guys tomorrow.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) September 16, 2019
It’s worth noting that Reich also said the 24-year veteran is still receiving treatment on his knee. But it’s “a non issue.”
For now, it appears the Colts have clarity at kicker for at least one more week. Vinatieri will have a chance to get back on track at home (where he has always performed at a higher level) against the Atlanta Falcons.