Two years ago, Adam Vinatieri found himself engaged in a heated contract negotiation with his employer of 10 years, the Indianapolis Colts, one that lasted the better part of a day and grew so vicious that at one point Vinatieri – he of four Super Bowl wins and G.O.A.T. status – figured he might have to kick elsewhere.
To be clear: He never wanted to. This was shortly after the 2015 season. Vinatieri sought a two-year extension with the Colts, and believed he’d earned it. He’d missed three kicks in two years. Then-Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson was only willing to offer one.