INDIANAPOLIS —"Clutch" and "Adam Vinatieri" are practically synonyms.
So it might come as no surprise, then, that Vinatieri has been nominated for the NFL's weekly "Clutch Performer of the Week" award.
You can vote for the GOAT by clicking here.
Vinatieri on Sunday stayed cool in the face of immense pressure for the Indianapolis Colts, nailing a 51-yard field goal in overtime to send the San Francisco 49ers back home with a 26-23 loss at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Vinatieri, of course, is no stranger to such clutch-ness: not only was that kick the 27th game-winner in his career, but it was Vinatieri's NFL record 10th game-winner in overtime.
The oldest player in the NFL was clutch at other points in Sunday's game, too, connecting on field goals of 52, 23, 38 and 51 yards, respectively, as well as two extra points, to give his team 14 points on the day.
His game-winning kick, meanwhile, moved Vinatieri into second place all-time in NFL history in field goals made with 539.
As usual, however, Vinatieri was quick to compliment those around him for a smooth operation on Sunday — particularly on that overtime attempt.
"The guys up front are doing a fantastic job," he said. "The two young guys – the snapper and holder, Rigo (Rigoberto Sanchez) and Rambo (Luke Rhodes) are doing fantastic as well. So, (they're) making my job a little easier, and I appreciate all the hard work that the guys up front are doing for me."
