IEven though his résumé speaks for itself, Adam Vinatieri was not among the four modern-era finalists voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year. The 52-year-old, who won four Super Bowls over the course of his career and is a member of the NFL’s 100th Anniversary Team, failed to garner the necessary 80 percent of the vote in his first year of eligibility.
Vinatieri remaining on the outside looking in puts him in good company not just in regards to his fellow 2025 finalists. He now also finds himself among other key members of the New England Patriots’ dynasty not getting much love from the Hall of Fame voters.
While long-time Patriots Ty Law and Richard Seymour recently made the cut, as did short-time Patriots Randy Moss and Darrelle Revis, the most successful run in NFL history lacks additional Hall of Fame representation. Some of it has to do with its relative recency, but a lack of suitable candidates does not seem to be the problem.
Four names stand out among the rest in that regard.
Patriots dynasty Hall of Fame snubs
Rodney Harrison: A tone-setter for the first half of the New England dynasty, Harrison is a two-time world champion, three-time All-Pro and member of the Patriots Hall of Fame. He also has one of the most distinguished careers of any defensive back in NFL history: he is the all-time leader in defensive back sacks, the No. 1 tackler in Super Bowl history, and one of only two players — the other being Hall of Famer Ray Lewis — with both 30 career sacks and 30 career interceptions.
Robert Kraft: Even though the direct contributions from ownership pale in comparison to players’ and coaches’, Kraft has been as impactful and successful an owner as any in recent NFL history. Not only did he prevent the Patriots from leaving for St. Louis, he also hoisted six Lombardi Trophies — more than any other individual owner —, helped resolve the 2011 labor dispute, and helped grow the game as a powerful committee member. Aggressive lobbying has reportedly hurt his case, but that does not change the that fact he should get in.
Adam Vinatieri: Quite possibly the greatest kicker of all time, and certainly the one with the most impressive highlight reel, Vinatieri is a four-time Super Bowl winner who is the NFL’s all-time leading scorer. Like the aforementioned Harrison and Kraft, he is a pivotal figure in the early Patriots dynasty. For more on why Vinatieri making the Hall of Fame should be an easy decision, please
