South Dakota native and future National Football League Hall of Fame kicker Adam Vinatieri has broken the league record for consecutive field goals – 43 in a row.
This milestone was reached on Sunday afternoon during the Colts – Titans game in Nashville, Tennessee.
Born in Yankton, South Dakota, Vinatieri would go on to play high school football for Rapid City Central. He would then stay in the Mt. Rushmore state and play college ball at South Dakota State University.
After his time as a Jackrabbit, Vinatieri played in a European professional football league, with a team known as the Amsterdam Admirals. One year later, he received the biggest break of his life when the New England Patriots signed him to his first NFL contract.
We all know the story from there…
His legacy blossomed during Super Bowl XXXVI when he kicked a 48-yard field goal on the final play of the game, giving the New England Patriots their first ever Super Bowl win.
Vinatieri’s success would continue with similar game-winning kicks in Super Bowl XXXVIII and Super Bowl XXXIX.
In 2006, and after the New England Patriots decided to not use their franchise tag on him, the Indianapolis Colts signed the clutch kicker.
Fast-forwarding a decade, the now 43-year old is still making big field goals for the Indianapolis Colts. Sunday he kicked his 43rd in a row, breaking Mike Vanderjagt’s NFL record of most consecutive field goals.
Because of his success in big games, Vinatieri is considered the greatest pressure kicker in league history.
