Celebrating a friend, a career, and a legacy

This past weekend, my family had the privilege of traveling to Canton, Ohio, to celebrate my husband’s college roommate’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Maybe you’ve heard of him — Adam Vinatieri.

My husband, Wade, always said that once Adam joined the Hall of Fame, he wanted to be there to help him celebrate. So, when it was announced that Adam would be among the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, we got our tickets and made it happen.

And what a trip it was!

If you have ever thought about heading to Canton to see the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony, do it — you won’t be disappointed.

Besides the Enshrinement Ceremony itself, we were able to tour the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where we saw NFL legends wandering around and willing to stop for photos with their fans. We also went to the Grand Hall of Fame Parade in downtown Canton, which was filled with bands, more NFL legends and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade-sized balloons.

It was at the parade that Adam spotted Wade, and the two roommates were able to spend some time together.

Adam, who grew up in Rapid City and played football at South Dakota State University, gave a shout-out to South Dakota during his Enshrinement speech, saying it would always be home. He got in a few digs at some fellow NFL buddies, but he also shared how much his family means to him and that being called “Dad” was his favorite title of all.

Adam spent 24 seasons in the National Football League — 10 with the New England Patriots and 14 with the Indianapolis Colts. And yes, we wore our Adam Colts’ jerseys to the enshrinement. Let it be known: he’s the only player I will wear a non-Cowboys’ jersey for.

Adam is only the third kicker in the Hall of Fame, joining Jan Stenerud and Morten Andersen.

Adam is also the NFL’s all-time leading scorer with 2,673 points, and no player in NFL history has made more regular-season field goals than Adam’s 599. His 600th one was blocked, and I think he’s still a little bitter about it — ha! Others being inducted with Adam included Drew Brees, Roger Craig, Larry Fitzgerald and Luke Kuechly.

Congratulations, Adam!

This weekend was full of great memories and an opportunity to celebrate one of the greatest kickers in the game! It also marks the beginning of another NFL season — and I, for one, couldn’t be more excited. And, of course, our annual football contest will be returning as well. Bring on football season!