Former New England Patriots legends Adam Vinatieri and Mike Haynes have been selected to the NFL 100 All-Time team. The list, which was voted on by a 26-man panel “made up of coaches, team and front office executives, former players and members of the media”, exists to commemorate the greatest players in the 100-year history of the National Football League.
Vinatieri and Haynes were the first Patriots selected to the list, but they probably won’t be the last. As of this posting, the NFL has yet to announce tight ends, offensive linemen, wide receivers, quarterbacks, and coaches.
Mike Haynes, Adam Vinatieri Make NFL 100 Team
Adam Vinatieri is one of just two kickers to make it on this list. Initially entering the league as an undrafted free agent, Vinatieri has had perhaps the greatest career of any kicker in NFL history. The South Dakota State product played a huge role in New England’s first three Super Bowl victories, driving home the game-winning kicks in Super Bowls 36 and 38, as well as the game-winner in the 2001 AFC Divisional Round game. However, his most impressive kick was probably his game-tying 45-yard field goal in the Snow Bowl.
Vinatieri spent 10 years in New England, winning three Super Bowls and appearing in another while converting on 81.9% of his field goal attempts. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors on two occasions before joining the Indianapolis Colts in the 2006 season. Vinatieri won another title in Indianapolis and, at age 47, is still serving as the primary kicker. However, Vinatieri has struggled this season, converting on just 68% of his field goal attempts.
Mike Haynes initially joined the Patriots as the fifth-overall pick in the 1976 NFL Draft. Haynes immediately made an impact on the roster, starting every game and recording eight interceptions as a rookie. He maintained that elite lockdown form throughout his New England tenure and ended up with six Second-Team All-Pro nominations and six Pro Bowl berths during his seven seasons with the club. Haynes spent the second half of his career with the Oakland Raiders and was a vital part of Oakland’s Super Bowl XVIII victory.
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