Apparently satisfied with what their kicker has accomplished over the past decade, the Indianapolis Colts have inked Adam Vinatieri, the oldest active player in the NFL, for two more years.
After playing for the New England Patriots from 1996 through 2005, Vinatieri signed on with the Colts in 2006. Starting his 21st year in the NFL, Vinatieri is on record for having missed only 14 games in two decades.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport broke the good news. Vinatieri’s new contract takes him through the 2017 season and is worth $6 million. There is also another $1 million he can earn in incentives.
While other younger NFL players like Calvin Johnson are hanging up their cleats, Vinatieri is coming off two of his best seasons, having converted 96.8 and 92.6 percent of his attempted field goals in 2014 and 2015.
Even though injuries, bangs, bruises and tackles aren’t something that kickers have to deal with as much as other players, it is cool to see a guy Vinatieri’s age still healthy and active in the NFL.
The likely future Hall of Famer expressed his desire to play the sport has known for nearly half of his life for just a little bit longer, per Zak Keefer of The IndyStar.
“Not only a season, but Lord willing, a couple of years. There will come a time when it’s over for me. I don’t think that time is yet. I enjoy playing. I enjoy doing my thing.”
Vinatieri has earned a total $35.12 million over the course of his career.