5 Former Patriots Most Likely to Make 2025 Hall of Fame Class

1. Adam Vinatieri

Adam Vinatieri will never have to buy a drink in New England again. When the Patriots needed a clutch kick in the postseason, Vinatieri was nails.

Vinatieri's right leg brought two Super Bowl titles for the Patriots, including clinching the franchise's first-ever championship by drilling a 48-yard field goal as time expired in Super Bowl XXXVI. His 45-yarder in blizzard conditions during the AFC Divisional "Tuck Rule" Game against the Oakland Raiders had saved New England's season a few weeks earlier.

Vinatieri suited up for the Patriots from 1996-2005, followed up his 2001 playoff heroics by securing the second Patriots Super Bowl win with a 41-yarder with four seconds left in Super Bowl XXXVIII two seasons later.

Vinatieri – the league's all-time leading scorer – holds several records including the record for most consecutive field goals made, most career field goals made, and most seasons with 100+ points. Vinatieri, who retired at age 47, has appeared in more NFL regular season and postseason games than any other player. 2025 is his first year of eligibility.

Although he finished his career by playing 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Vinatieri's indelible mark on the first half of the Patriots dynasty and his place in Boston sports lore cements him as a revered figure in these parts.

Only two exclusively placekickers have been enshrined in Canton – Jan Stenerud and Morten Andersen. Vinatieri will assuredly be the third.

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