Adam Vinatieri finally misses a field goal and snaps NFL record streak

You know you’re good when missing a field goal in a 21-0 game is newsworthy.

Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, who almost certainly will be recognized as the greatest kicker in NFL history whenever he retires, had a record-breaking streak end on Sunday. When he missed a field goal in the second quarter, with the Colts leading the Tennessee Titans by three touchdowns, it snapped a streak of 44 straight field goals without a miss.

Vinatieri broke the NFL record for consecutive field goals on Oct. 23 with his 43rd in a row. This streak is even more incredible when you figure Vinatieri is a little more than a month from turning 44 years old. Vinatieri’s record might last a while, too … unless he starts a new streak and beats his own record right away.

The last time Vinatieri missed a field goal before Sunday was Sept. 21, 2015. Amazing.

Vinatieri came into Sunday with 2,334 career points, and seems like he could easily surpass Morten Andersen’s record of 2,544. Vinatieri is third on the all-time list behind Andersen and Gary Anderson. Vinatieri has also famously had two game-winning Super Bowl field goals. His Hall of Fame case will be strong.

Part of his Hall of Fame case will be the streak of consecutive field goals that just ended. It was shocking to see him miss. On a Sunday in which it seemed every other NFL kicker was missing an extra point, that’s a good compliment itself.

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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