Vinatieri named SDSU distinguished alumnus

| Saturday, September 30, 2006

BROOKINGS n The South Dakota State University Alumni Association will honor 10 individuals during the 45th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner and Program on Oct. 27.

Adam Vinatieri will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for Outstanding Young Alumni.

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A graduate of Rapid City Central High School, Vinatieri is a National Football League kicker with the Indianapolis Colts and has had a profound impact on how kickers in the NFL are used, evaluated and compensated.

Vinatieri graduated from SDSU in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in health, physical education and recreation. Following graduation, Vinatieri did not receive a free-agent tryout for the NFL. He attended a kicking school run by Doug Blevins, which in turn led to a spot in the World Football League in Europe. His exposure in the WFL earned him a free-agent tryout with the New England Patriots, which led to a NFL contract.

For 10 years, Vinatieri has been an NFL leader in scoring and field-goal percentage. He ranks second in NFL history in career playoff field goals and points and has made two last-minute, game-winning field goals in Super Bowls. He has been labeled the best clutch kicker in the history of the NFL.

Off the field, Vinatieri is a role model for young people and has represented his teams and communities with pride.

Vinatieri and his wife, Valerie, have two children, a son, A.J., and a daughter, Allison.

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