Adam Vinatieri was named a finalist for induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame on Thursday, getting the honor in his first year of eligibility. But that might have been a surprise to some, considering how he departed the team during his playing career.
The former Patriots kicker unceremoniously left for the Colts as a free agent in 2006, joining Indianapolis at the height of New England’s rivalry with the team. Vinatieri had sought to join the Colts at the start of free agency that year, telling his agent to “not screw around” with Indianapolis, according to ESPN’s Mike Wells.