[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING SOUTH DAKOTA'S ADAM VINATIERI ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE 
                       PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

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                           HON. DUSTY JOHNSON

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2026

  Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a 
South Dakota football legend, Adam Vinatieri. Vinatieri, widely 
regarded as the greatest place kicker in the history of the National 
Football League, has been named a 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame 
inductee. This recognition honors a remarkable career and brings great 
pride to South Dakotans across the state.
  Born in Yankton and raised in Rapid City, Vinatieri graduated from 
Rapid City Central High School, where he was a standout multi-sport 
athlete. He went on to play college football at South Dakota State 
University, carrying with him the work ethic, discipline, and 
resilience that define so many South Dakotans. As a Jackrabbit, 
Vinatieri finished his collegiate career as South Dakota State's all-
time leading scorer with 185 career points and awarded first-team all-
conference honors in each of his seasons.
  Vinatieri's professional career spanned 24 NFL seasons, primarily 
with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. He retired as the 
league's all-time leader in field goals made and points scored, and he 
played a decisive role in four Super Bowl championships, including a 
game-winning kick in Super Bowl XXXVI.
  With this induction, Adam Vinatieri becomes just the second South 
Dakotan to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining Jim Langer of 
the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins. South Dakota proudly celebrates 
with him and the excellence with which he represented our state on and 
off the field.

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