Adam Vinatieri holds the record for most career points in the National Football League – and now he’s got a stand-up routine to match.
The ex-New England Patriot “may have a new career in comedy after his Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement speech Saturday,” ESPN reported.
During his acceptance speech over the weekend, Vinatieri made a joke about his former coach, Bill Belichick, under whom he won three Super Bowls.
Belichick, now the coach at North Carolina, was not in attendance Saturday.
“I thought it was because training camp had already started,” Vinatieri said about Belichick’s absence, “but in truth it’s because he is judging his girlfriend’s cheerleading competition.”
Vinatieri’s riff won a huge laugh from the audience, which appreciated the poke at the 74-year-old coach’s joke-provoking relationship with a 25-year-old Maine-born cheerleading champ named Jordon Hudson.
The veteran placekicker won four Super Bowls, the last one with Indianapolis after earning three championship rings under Belichick in New England.
Vinatieri, 53, followed the dig at the cradle-robbing Belichick by saying he thinks Jordon’s man is the greatest coach of all time.
The legendary NFL kicker was officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. He is only the third full-time kicker to receive the honor.
After 24 years playing in the NFL, Vinatieri retired with records of 2,673 career points and 599 field goals. Only George Blanda (26 years) and Morten Andersen (25 years) had longer NFL careers than Vinatieri.
He even eclipsed with longevity seven-time Super Bowl champ Tom Brady, whose career lasted 23 years.
During the ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, Vinatieri also took a shot at Brady, referring to Drew Bledsoe as the greatest quarterback in Patriots history.
He also showed a sober side along with his comedic riffs, talking about the honor of being selected to the Hall of Fame.
Vinatieri is one of five 2026 electees, the others being quarterback Drew Brees, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, running back Roger Craig and linebacker Luke Kuechly.
“When people hear the word greatness, they usually think about the biggest names on the biggest stages,” Vinatieri said. “But greatness isn’t created under bright lights.
“Greatness is built on empty practice fields when it’s below zero. Greatness is sacrificing temporary fun for meaningful outcomes. Greatness is turning doubt into belief. Preparation matters. Character matters.”
