Adam Vinatieri may have a new career in comedy after his Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement speech Saturday.
Vinatieri became only the third full-time place-kicker to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining Jan Stenerud and Morten Andersen.
He drew plenty of laughs and cheers with jokes about Bill Belichick, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.
"And Peyton, thank you for generously donating your forehead for today's teleprompter," Vinatieri cracked. "A gigantic forehead means big brain and your football IQ is unmatched."
Manning nodded with a smile from his seat among the Hall of Famers.
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon introduced Vinatieri, who won his fourth Super Bowl with Indianapolis after earning three championship rings under Belichick in New England. Belichick, now the coach at North Carolina, was not in attendance Saturday.
"I thought it was because training camp had already started," Vinatieri said about Belichick's absence, "but in truth it's because he is judging his girlfriend's cheerleading competition."
Vinatieri followed the dig by saying he thinks Belichick is the greatest coach of all time.
Vinatieri retired with NFL records of 2,673 career points and 599 field goals. Only George Blanda (26) and Andersen (25) had longer NFL careers than Vinatieri's 24 seasons.
"When people hear the word greatness, they usually think about the biggest names on the biggest stages," Vinatieri said. "But greatness isn't created under bright lights. Greatness is built on empty practice fields when it's below zero. Greatness is sacrificing temporary fun for meaningful outcomes. Greatness is turning doubt into belief. Preparation matters. Character matters.
"And to all the doubters, thank you. Your criticism became fuel. Your doubt became motivation. You helped make me better."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.