Adam Vinatieri shamed into offering apology and explanation for Hall of Fame speech that was epic
The speech Adam Vinatieri delivered at the Pro Football Hall of Fame upon his induction was touching, insightful, emotional, and comedy-act funny. It was easily the most memorable speech at that venue in recent years so, of course, it turned off some critics.
It caused some people to want him to apologize because, they contend, it was not respectful enough or fitting of a Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony. (If they only knew some of the stuff that happens in NFL locker rooms).
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Anyway, Vinatieri heard some of the disapproval the last few days.
"I wanted it to start sentimental," Vinatieri said during a guest segment on "The Dan Patrick Show" on Monday. "I wanted to make people laugh, and then I wanted to end it with a bang at the end.
"So hopefully I accomplished that. But if people got offended or thought it was inappropriate, I apologize to you guys."
There is no apology necessary. Because Vinatieri took what is typically a ceremonial assignment and made it entertaining. He turned yawns to guffaws. And tears.
Consider:
In addressing former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, for whom Vinatieri played six years, the former kicker said ....
"Your preparation, discipline, and attention to detail shaped far more than my football career. Unfortunately, Bill couldn’t make it here today. There is a LOT going on at UNC right now. He may be on a recruiting trip looking for the next Lawrence Taylor. I thought it was because training camp had already started.
"But in truth it's because he is judging his girlfriend's cheerleading competition!"
And with that the speech turned into something of a roast.
"I was lucky enough to play with the greatest quarterback in Patriots history," Vinatieri said, redirecting the bullseye. "Unfortunately he wasn’t able to make it today …. Drew Bledsoe."
Ziiiing!
"I had a few more Tom Brady jokes but I was afraid he would run up on stage and 'Will Smith' me like he did to Logan Paul," Vinatieri added.
The crowd roared.
Vinatieri played his final 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. So they didn't escape the jocularity, either. He addressed Peyton Manning as the camera cut to the former Colts quarterback.
"Thank you for generously donating your forehead for today’s teleprompter," Vinatieri said, repeating a joke about Manning's large forehead that was for years whispered in the Colts locker room.
"Hey, Pat McAfee is here today, great to see you brother!" Vinatieri continued as we watched McAfee acknowledge his time as the Indy punter and holder on extra points and field goals.
"The only person who enjoyed holding my balls more than my wife!" Vinatieri exclaimed before a pause.
"She held for me in the offseason when everyone else was gone," the kicker then added.
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The speech resembled a two-drink minimum Las Vegas act for a while, but it also had its stirring moments – like when Vinatieri addressed the game of football as if it was an old friend.
"I loved you with everything I had," Vinatieri told the game. "There was a time when I thought I wanted you more than air. But I was wrong. You were the air. You gave me purpose. You gave me direction. You gave me a life I could have never imagined.
"The beautiful thing about our relationship was that the more I gave to you, the more you gave back to me. The more I devoted myself to you, the more you rewarded me. The more I committed to you, the more you committed to me.
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"I tried to honor you every single day because I knew you deserved nothing less than my very best. I gave you 38 years of my life, and in return, you gave me a lifetime of memories. I gave you points, you gave me friendships. I gave you countless hours of work, you gave me the opportunity to travel the world, experience different cultures, and meet extraordinary people.
"Every sacrifice became an investment, and somehow, football, you always gave me back more than I put in. Looking back, I realize I was never just playing football. We were building a life together."
This speech doesn't need an apology to a thinned-skinned crowd of critics. It needs a replay in front of every future Hall of Fame speech writer, as a lesson on how it should be done.