Adam Vinatieri (1996 – Current)
Adam Vinatieri played quarterback, middle linebacker, and kicker at Central High School in Rapid City, South Dakota. Even as a four year letterman at kicker and punter, he wasn’t drafted by an NFL team to play either position. After a one year stint in NFL Europe (with the Amsterdam Admirals), Vinatieri signed with the New England Patriots in 1997. His first of many claims to fame (although nearly all of the rest were centered around kicking) was when he chased down and tackled Dallas Cowboys returner Herschel Walker on a kickoff, leading Patriots coach Bill Parcells to tell his rookie kicker: “You’re not a kicker—you’re a football player.” He eventually became more than just any football player, though.
He was a three-time Super Bowl Champion for the New England Patriots (kicking game winning field goals in two of them), and picked up another ring with the Indianapolis Colts. He’s a three-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time first team All Pro, and member of the NFL’s 2000’s All Decade Team. Career Resume: 3x Pro Bowl, 2000’s All Decade Team, 4x Super Bowl Champion.