Topic: Adam Vinatieri

Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001, 2003, & 2004 with the Patriots. Vinatieri is the first kicker ever to play in five Super Bowls and win four Super Bowl rings.

Vinatieri is generally considered to be one of the best clutch kickers in the history of the National Football League. Nicknamed "Automatic Adam" for his accuracy, and "Iceman" for his incredible poise under pressure, Vinatieri has converted several of the most crucial field goals in NFL history, including the game-tying and -winning kicks in blizzard conditions in the infamous "Tuck Rule Game", and game-winning kicks in the final seconds of two Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII). Adam often refers to his younger brother Beau as his inspiration when he goes on to the field and credits Beau for giving him the strength to have so much determination and poise under pressure.

Vinatieri was born the son of Paul and Judy Vinatieri, he is the second of four children. His younger brother Beau was a place kicker at Black Hills State University before graduating in 2003. Vinatieri attended Central High School (Rapid City, South Dakota) and was a letterman in football, wrestling, basketball, soccer, and track. In football, he earned first team All-State honors as a senior. He graduated from Central High School in 1991.