CANTON, OH – The Pro Football Hall of Fame has a pious feel to it, especially on induction weekend.
Class of 2026 inductee and former New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri mucked up that reputation throughout his speech Saturday, Aug. 8. As ceremony host Chris Berman called it, “night at the improv.”
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Vinatieri’s speech began classically, with gratitude for his family, coaches and teammates. But while discussing Bill Belichick, his coach in New England and now leading the University of North Carolina, Vinatieri’s disciplined speech until that point veered off course with a shot at the 74-year-old’s dating life.
“Unfortunately, Bill couldn’t make it today. There’s a lot going on at UNC right now,” he began. ” … I thought it was because training camp had already started, but in truth, he was judging his girlfriend’s cheerleading competition.”
Belichick’s partner, Jordon Hudson, 25, is a competitive cheerleader. And Belichick wasn’t the only larger-than-life figure to feel Vinatieri’s jest.
More: Did Bill Belichick make the Hall of Fame? Why legendary coach was snubbed
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Next up was Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, a 2021 Hall of Fame inductee.
“Peyton, thank you for generously donating your forehead for today’s teleprompter,” Vinatieri said. “A gigantic forehead means a big brain, and your football IQ is unmatched, buddy.”
Aug 7, 2026; Canton, OH, USA; Adam Vinatieri reacts during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Gold Jacket dinner at Canton Memorial Civic Center and Cultural Center.
Former Colts punter and ESPN personality Pat McAfee had a front-row seat for the ceremony and also became a punchline.
“The only person in the world who enjoyed holding my balls more than my wife,” Vinatieri said.
Vinatieri kept the train on the tracks enough to choke up as he ended his speech. The four-time Super Bowl champion, who played 24 seasons in the NFL, is the third full-time placekicker voted into the Hall.
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Carolina Panthers face Arizona Cardinals in Hall of Fame Game
General view of the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium before the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals play at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The NFL returns tonight.
Before the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrines its newest members in its class of 2026 this weekend, we get our first taste of game action since the Super Bowl.The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers will kick off the NFL’s Hall of Fame induction weekend with the league’s first preseason game of the 2026 season. Thursday’s matchup will be the debut of first-time head coach Mike LaFleur of the Cardinals. On the other side, Panthers coach Dave Canales will kick off his third season leading Carolina. Both teams are expected to rest most of their starters. Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett will start behind center in place of Bryce Young, as the Panthers have said none of their starters will play in tonight’s game. Meanwhile, the Cardinals will send rookie quarterback Carson Beck under center.
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)
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Carolina Panthers face Arizona Cardinals in Hall of Fame Game
General view of the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium before the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals play at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The NFL returns tonight.
Before the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrines its newest members in its class of 2026 this weekend, we get our first taste of game action since the Super Bowl.The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers will kick off the NFL’s Hall of Fame induction weekend with the league’s first preseason game of the 2026 season. Thursday’s matchup will be the debut of first-time head coach Mike LaFleur of the Cardinals. On the other side, Panthers coach Dave Canales will kick off his third season leading Carolina. Both teams are expected to rest most of their starters. Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett will start behind center in place of Bryce Young, as the Panthers have said none of their starters will play in tonight’s game. Meanwhile, the Cardinals will send rookie quarterback Carson Beck under center.
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)
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Carolina Panthers face Arizona Cardinals in Hall of Fame Game
Jeremiyah Love #4 of the Arizona Cardinals poses for a photo prior to the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium on Aug. 6, 2026 in Canton, Ohio.
(Nick Cammett, Getty Images)
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Carolina Panthers face Arizona Cardinals in Hall of Fame Game
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) warms up before playing the the Carolina Panthers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)
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Carolina Panthers face Arizona Cardinals in Hall of Fame Game
Signage depicting the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2026 class before the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals play at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)
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Carolina Panthers face Arizona Cardinals in Hall of Fame Game
Arizona Cardinals fans in attendance prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
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Carolina Panthers face Arizona Cardinals in Hall of Fame Game
General view of the Professional Football Hall of Fame exterior before the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals play at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Adam Vinatieri roasts Bill Belichick, girlfriend in Hall of Fame speech
