50 analysts, professionals, and reporters were recently surveyed by ESPN to choose the greatest player to ever play each position. And Adam Vinatieri was chosen as the GOAT kicker or punter in NFL history by the voters.
Vinatieri received 22 of the possible 50 votes, beating out kickers Justin Tucker of the Ravens (21 votes), Ray Guy of the Raiders (6 votes), and Morten Andersen of the Saints, Falcons, Giants, Chiefs, and Vikings (6 votes) (one vote).
Vinatieri was a three-time first-team AP All-Pro and is the NFL’s all-time leader in points scored (2,673) and field goals made (599).
Vinatieri, a four-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots and Colts, attained his GOAT status due to his performance in the postseason.
Vinatieri wasn’t always good, but he was excellent when called upon. He missed two fourth-quarter kicks in different games in 1999, for example. When New England finished 8-8 rather than 10-6, Pete Carroll lost his job.
He began a run of extraordinary reliance in the most crucial situations and inaugurated a dynasty two years later when he made a 45-yard field goal in a snow globe against the Raiders in the playoffs. In my opinion, this kick is the finest in NFL history.
