RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesAdam Vinatieri had jokes – some not fit for print. His voice cracked. He made his father cry, and he had a heartfelt message to football, as the greatest kicker the NFL has ever seen stood on-stage in Canton to accept his enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame .
Here are the four-time Super Bowl champion’s best jokes and most important messages from his near-20-minute speech Saturday afternoon:
What Adam Vinatieri said about his parents
“To my parents, Paul and Judy, thank you for giving me far more than just opportunities. Thank you for giving me values. You taught me hard work, humility, accountability, perseverance and faith. You taught me if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right. That character matters more than recognition. The countless hours driving me to practice, games and camps – sacrifices that I didn’t fully understand, but appreciate more every single day. Everything I became as a football player started with lessons you taught me. Thank you for believing in me long before anyone else did, and Dad, I can’t tell you how special it was to have you as my coach throughout my childhood.”
Adam Vinatieri on being a dad
“Throughout my career, I’ve been called a lot of names: Mr. Clutch, Automatic Adam, The Ice Man and even G.O.A.T, but my favorite title is ‘Dad.’ …Being your dad has been the greatest accomplishment of my life – far greater than any kick. Far greater than any record. Far greater than standing on this stage today. I hope when you look back on my life, you don’t just remember statistics or the championships. I hope you remember your dad worked hard, honored his commitments, treated people with respect and loved God, loved his family and did everything possible to provide you with the life you deserved. Make or miss, win or lose, the greatest joy I ever had was walking through the door and being attacked with hugs and kisses.”
Adam Vinatieri's joke (and appreciation) of Bill Belichick
“Thank you for demanding excellence every day. Your preparation, discipline and attention to detail shaped far more than my football career. Unfortunately, Bill couldn’t make it here today. There’s a lot going on at UNC right now. He may be on a recruiting trip right now looking for the next Lawrence Taylor. I thought it was because training camp already started, but in truth, he’s judging his girlfriend’s cheerleading competition. … All jokes aside, in my opinion, Bill is the greatest coach of all-time.”
Adam Vinatieri's jab at Tom Brady
“I played with the greatest quarterback in Patriots history. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to make it here today: Drew Bledsoe. … I have a few more Tom Brady jokes, but I was afraid he’d run up on stage and maybe give me a ‘Will Smith’ like he did to Logan Paul last month. … Tom, you changed the game forever, but what I’ll remember most is the teammate you were. Your belief in the people around you inspired us all to raise the standards, and I’m honored our careers became part of the same path.”
What Adam Vinatieri said about the Irsay sisters
“Carlie, Casey and Kalen, thank you for the kindness, friendship and support you’ve always shown my family. Watching you honor your father’s legacy while leading the great organization is truly inspiring. I couldn’t be more excited to watch the next chapter of Colts history unfold under your leadership. Indy, you’re in great hands with Carlie. Her passion for this organization, her unwavering commitment for excellence and love for this team will ensure the Colts continue to be one of the premier franchises in the NFL for years to come.”
Adam Vinatieri's joke about Peyton Manning
“Peyton, thank you for generously donating your forehead for today’s teleprompter. A gigantic forehead means a big brain, and your football IQ is unmatched, buddy. The way you manage the offense, the team, everything in the organization was incredible. Your leadership led this team to greatness. Most people know Peyton for his football mind, but I was lucky enough to know the person behind the football helmet. He was a great teammate, great friend and someone who truly cared for everyone in the locker room. I’m thankful that our paths crossed, and I’m proud of everything we accomplished together.”
How Adam Vinatieri wants to be remembered
“At the end of the day, none of these accomplishments define who I am. What matters most is was I the best husband I could be, the best father I could be, the best teammate, best friend. I don’t wanna just be remembered for kicking footballs through the uprights. I wanna be remembered as that kid from South Dakota who never gave up on his dreams. A god-fearing man who loved his family unconditionally. A teammate people could count on. A husband who adored his wife. A father whose greatest joy was simply being dad. And thanks to all of you, the greatest kicker in NFL history – and (hall of famer Morten Andersen), I’ve got my cleats backstage just in case you disagree. … I’m teasing, buddy. I love you.”
How Adam Vinatieri thanked the game of football
“I want to thank the game of football. Football, it would’ve been so easy for me to forget to tell you how much you mean to me. If you were sitting here in the crowd today, here’s what I would say. When I thought I wanted you more than air, I was wrong. You were the air. You gave me purpose. You gave me direction. You gave me a life I could’ve never imagined. The beautiful thing about our relationship was that the more I gave to you, the more you gave back to me. The more I devoted myself to you, the more you rewarded me. The more I committed to you, the more you committed to me. I tried to honor you every single day because I knew you deserved nothing less than my very best.
“I gave you 38 years of my life, and in return you gave me a lifetime of memories. I gave you points. You gave me friendships. I gave you countless hours of work, and you gave me opportunities to travel the world, experience different cult...
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