New England Patriots
“I thought it was because training camp had already started. But in truth it’s because he is judging his girlfriend’s cheerleading competition.”
Adam Vinatieri was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki
August 9, 2026 | 6:16 PM
3 minutes to read
Former Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday, with the four-time Super Bowl champion reflecting on a 24-year career that saw him make some of the most consequential kicks in NFL history.
But, the 53-year-old Vinatieri also used his speech in Canton, Ohio, to land a few digs at some of his former teams, teammates, and head coaches — including Bill Belichick.
As part of his speech, Vinatieri offered up thanks to both Belichick and Patriots team owner Robert Kraft — both of whom didn’t earn a spot in the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.
“To Mr. Kraft and the Kraft family. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for building an environment second to none. These past 25 years of the Patriot dynasty may never be repeated,” Vinatieri said. ”Your time to join us on this stage and in the hall is right around the corner. And I can’t wait. I would repeat those last few statements about Coach Bill Belichick as well. Thank you for demanding excellence every single day. Your preparation, discipline, and attention to detail shaped far more than my football career.”
Vinatieri then delivered a joke about Belichick and his current tenure as head coach of the University of North Carolina, as well as his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson.
“Unfortunately, Bill couldn’t make it here today. There’s a lot going on at UNC right now. He may be on a recruiting trip right now looking for the next Lawrence Taylor,” Vinatieri said. “I thought it was because training camp had already started.
“But in truth it’s because he is judging his girlfriend’s cheerleading competition. … All jokes aside, in my opinion Bill is the greatest coach of all time.”
Belichick was not the only target in Vinatieri’s address, with Vinatieri — who also played for the Colts for 14 seasons — also landing a joke about the Patriots’ “Deflategate” controversy, which sprouted up in the aftermath of New England’s victory over the Colts during the 2014 AFC Championship Game.
“To every coach, trainer, equipment manager, strength coach, nutritionist, front office member, security guard, ball boy, doctor, every person behind the scenes. Thank you,” he said. “Championship organizations aren’t built by stars. They’re built by people whose names rarely make headlines. Except maybe one ball boy. I’ll wait for it. Go ahead.”
While Vinatieri injected plenty of humor into his nearly 20-minute speech, he also saluted the New England Patriots fanbase for the support they showed during the rise of the team’s eventual two-decade dynasty.
“To the Patriot fans, you. I love you guys. Thank you. Through snow, rain, freezing temperatures, and unforgettable moments, you stood beside us every step of the way. You made Foxborough an electrifying place to play,” he said. “To my teammates in New England, football is the ultimate team sport. And man, we had a great team. Being 14-point underdogs in that Super Bowl and finishing the game as world champs still gives me chills.
“I was lucky enough to play with the greatest quarterback in Patriot history. Unfortunately, he was unable to make it here today,” he continued. “I had a few more Tom Brady jokes, but I was afraid that he had run up on the stage and maybe give me a Will Smith like he did to Logan Paul last month.
“Tom, you changed the game forever. But what I’ll remember most is the teammate that you were. Your belief and the people around you inspired all of us to raise our standards. And I’m honored our careers became part of the same path.”
Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.
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