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Revisiting Adam Vinatieri's Most Clutch Kicks with Patriots, From Snow Games to Super Bowl Winners originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Patriots launched a dynasty in the early 2000s, winning multiple Super Bowls under the guidance of Bill Belichick. With Tom Brady emerging as the face of the franchise, New England captured three Lombardi Trophies in a four-year span.
While Belichick and Brady undoubtedly deserved credit for turning the Patriots into a powerhouse, they certainly wouldn't have reached the same level of success without Adam Vinatieri.
Signed as an undrafted free agent, Vinatieri played for the Patriots from 1996 to 2005. He retired as the NFL's all-time leader in points scored (2,673), points scored in the playoffs (238), field goals made (599) and field goals made in the playoffs (56).
Vinatieri, who will officially become a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, was known for drilling clutch kicks on the biggest stages. Brady and the rest of the Patriots knew that they just needed to reach Vinatieri's range with a few seconds on the clock, and he would take care of the rest.
Adam Vinatieri's most clutch kicks with Patriots
Super Bowl 36 vs. Rams
Vinatieri secured the first Super Bowl win in the franchise's history.
He had two field goals and two extra points against the Rams in a stunning 20-17 victory. Patriots fans will never forget his 48-yard field goal as time expired.
Super Bowl 38 vs. Panthers
Almost exactly two years later, Vinatieri delivered in another clutch situation.
A wild battle in the fourth quarter between the Patriots and Panthers set the stage for Vinatieri, who stepped onto the field with nine seconds left. He hit a 41-yard field goal to give New England a second Super Bowl ring in three years.
2001 Divisional Round vs. Raiders
Before they pulled off an upset in the Super Bowl, the Patriots had to complete a miraculous comeback against the Raiders in the divisional round.
Facing a 13-10 deficit with two minutes left, Brady drove the Patriots down the field, and Vinatieri blasted a game-tying 45-yard field goal through the snow. Then, in overtime, Vinatieri sent New England to the next round with a 23-yard field goal.
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