Patriots legend named as 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist

Former New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 on Tuesday.

Vinatieri played with the Patriots from 1996-2005 and the Indianapolis Colts from 2006 to 2019. He became known for his clutch kicks, including in The Snow Bowl against the Oakland Raiders in the 2001 AFC Divisional round playoff game. He also kicked game-winning field goals in Super Bowl XXXVI and XXXVIII. He won four Super Bowls in total, including one with the Colts.

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He has the most points scored in NFL history (2,673), most field goals made (599), most consecutive field goals made (44) and most postseason points scored (238). He was a key player for the Patriots and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest kickers of all time.

Fans have clamored for years that Vinatieri should be in the Hall of Fame. This time, they might finally get their wish with the legendary kicker one step away from permanent enshrinement.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots legend named as 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist