The oldest active player in NFL, Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri will return for his 23rd season. Player known for his crucial kicks in the first decade of 21st century will try to make more of them for at least couple of years. While players of his age are already long-time veterans Vinatieri hopes to stick around for 2018 season and beyond. At 44-years-old, Vinatieri is by far the oldest player in the NFL today. He will also become the free agent this offseason after finishing his 12th season with Indianapolis Colts. 

Although in dinosaur age by NFL standards, Vinatieri has actually enhanced his game over the past several seasons. He converted 85.7 percent of his attempts in the last two seasons. Vinatieri also still has enough strength in his leg for longer kicks, with the longest kick this past season coming from a 55-yard mark. Vinatieri made his name in NFL during his stay with the New England Patriots with some of the most important field goals in NFL history. His 45-yard field goal against the Oakland Raiders in Conference championships in 2001 and game-winner in Super Bowl XXXVI against St. Louis Rams helped create the Patriots dynasty that still continues these days. Vinatieri also kicked game winning field goal in Super Bowl XXXVIII against Carolina Panthers. 

Vinatieri began his professional career in now non-existent NFL Europe with the Amsterdam Admirals as a kicker and punter in 1995. That season the Admirals lost the World Bowl III against Frankfurt Galaxy. 

It depends how much longer will Adam Vinatieri continue to play, but he could finish his career with several records who many thought will stay for a very long time. At the moment Vinatieri has accumulated 2,479 points which trail only legendary Morten Andersen who played 25 years in NFL until he was 47 and amassed 2,544 points. Vinatieri also currently ranks sixth in total games played with 338 and he also needs just one playoff appearance to tie for most postseason games. If he stays with the Colts next season he will probably have a chance to add to his records with Josh McDaniels coming on as head coach and quarterback Andrew Luck finally returning to full health, and if somehow Vinatieri plays three more seasons, he could match former Oakland Raiders player George Blanda as the oldest player ever to play in the NFL. Blanda ended his professional career at age of 48.