AJ Vinatieri ready to create his ‘own success’ at UMass
ZIONSVILLE, Ind. (BVM) – The name Vinatieri holds plenty of weight in Massachusetts. It belongs to the legendary Adam Vinatieri, the NFL’s all-time leading scorer, a four-time Super Bowl champion and one of the most recognizable figures in New England Patriots’ history.
But that name also belongs to AJ Vinatieri, and despite his father being arguably the greatest kicker ever, he grew up with a love for baseball.
“I was really more of a baseball player,” AJ said. “That’s what I loved doing.”
AJ couldn’t stay away from the gridiron altogether, playing tight end and fullback as a freshman at Zionsville High School, but it was during his sophomore year that his aspirations were truly altered. The Eagles needed someone to handle their placekicking duties, including punts and kickoffs.
That’s all AJ needed to hear.
“I started really pursuing punting and I just started to fall in love with it,” AJ said. “I love doing all three (kickoffs, punts, placekicking) and I started really training for it. Sophomore year, I actually quit baseball because whenever I had free time, I always found myself practicing for football; that’s where my heart’s at.
“Once I felt that, once I started to pursue it and get pretty good at it, I was like, ‘This is what I want to do.’”
AJ’s relatively late start to the kicking game hasn’t stunted his growth in that area. The senior was an all-state punter this past fall and had plenty of potential suitors for his services at the next level.
Power 5 programs such as LSU, Florida, Miami and Michigan offered AJ preferred walk-on spots. Most colleges don’t offer kickers scholarships out of high school, but at least one school did, and it happens to be in the same state where AJ’s father is a living legend.
https://twitter.com/AjVinatieri/status/1488304648599580677
“My dad played in New England and they [my parents] love Massachusetts so when they [UMass] reached out, I was super excited because they had just great things to say about Massachusetts itself,” AJ said. “When they [UMass] offered me, I just couldn’t pass it up. It felt like the best fit for me.”
UMass was able to offer AJ something most other schools couldn’t or wouldn’t: a full scholarship. That belief in his skillset made all the difference in AJ’s decision, including turning down an offer to play at his father’s alma mater, South Dakota State.
“That just shows the love that they [UMass] have for me, the trust that they have for me and they’re trusting that my abilities are good to come in and play right away; that’s huge for me,” AJ said. “You always need competition and people pushing you, but the fact that they said, ‘AJ, we want you to come in here and be the man,’ that was huge.
“The fact that they believe in me and trust me to come in and do that just makes me 10 times more excited.”
UMass’ coaches aren’t the only people who believe in AJ, and his father isn’t even the only legendary Colts specialist to hold him in high regard. Former All-Pro punter and kickoff specialist Pat McAfee has trained and practiced with AJ, even critiquing technique when the future Minuteman sends him film.
Big congrats to @AjVinatieri.
Decided to go to UMass tonight..Full scholarship for the 🏈 bomber.
His last name is epic, but his work ethic and composure are my favorite things about him.
CONGRATS PAISAN. You deserve this.
I guess I’m a Minutemen fan now.
🗣🗣 Let’s go Men pic.twitter.com/dPfqOQ0tuN
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 1, 2022
“I look up to him [McAfee] so much and he’s a role model for me but at the end of the day, he’s a great friend and the fact that I get to call him a friend is super special to me,” AJ said. “He wants to see me shine, succeed and I truly appreciate everything that he does for me.”
You have to be incredibly proud of @AjVinatieri
"I definitely am.. UMass is the perfect situation & it's a great opportunity to step right in & compete for the starting job right away" ~@adamvinatieri #PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/GkBj04tSLl
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 1, 2022
AJ is well aware of the legacy his father created in Massachusetts and the support he’ll have from day one because of his family name. Although he’s appreciative of that reality, AJ is focused on forging his own path.
“I’ll love and appreciate all the support, but I want to create my own name,” AJ said. “I don’t want to be known as Vinatieri’s kid. I want to be known as my own person and I want to go out there and have my own success.”