Adam Vinatieri’s pretty confident his former coach can take a joke.
The legendary kicker, who won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and one with the Indianapolis Colts, took a lighthearted jab at former Patriots coach Bill Belichick in his Hall of Fame acceptance speech on Saturday.
Vinatieri beat Belichick to earning a Gold Jacket and reminded him of it, as Belichick was not voted into the Hall of Fame on his first chance, and didn’t appear at Saturday’s ceremony in Canton, Ohio.
“I thought it was because training camp had already started,” Vinatieri said regarding Belichick’s absence, “but in truth it’s because he is judging his girlfriend’s cheerleading competition.”
Vinatieri was taking a jab at Belichick and his 25-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson.
After that comment, Vinatieri wised up and complimented Belichick: “All jokes aside, in my opinion, Bill is the greatest coach of all time.”
Surprisingly, Belichick didn’t earn enough votes to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. In January’s vote, he received 39 of 50, and the required threshold is 40. While Belichick was up for a Hall of Fame vote, he continues to coach at North Carolina, entering his second season with the Tar Heels after a disappointing 4-8 in 2025.
He won six Super Bowls over 24 seasons as the Patriots head coach.
The 2025 Hall Of Fame class included Vinatieri, Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Roger Craig.
Vinatieri’s speech also consisted of roasting former Colts quarterback Payton Manning and an introduction from owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon.
“Peyton, thank you for generously donating your forehead for today’s teleprompter,” Vinatieri cracked. “A gigantic forehead means big brain and your football IQ is unmatched.”
Manning nodded his head with a smile from his seat among the Hall of Famers.
Vinatieri retired with NFL records of 2,673 career points and 599 field goals. Only George Blanda (26) and Andersen (25) had longer NFL careers than Vinatieri’s 24 seasons.
“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.
“And to all the doubters, thank you. Your criticism became fuel. Your doubt became motivation. You helped make me better.”
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon introduced Vinatieri, who won his fourth Super Bowl with Indianapolis after earning three championship rings in New England.
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