Adam Vinatieri to Pat McAfee: 'I need you'

Nathan Chute, nathan.chute@indystar.com
Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) celebrates his field goal with Pat McAfee (1) in the second half of  their NFL football game Sunday, November 20, 206, afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts defeated the Titans 24-17.

INDIANAPOLIS – Can't things go back to the way they used to be?

That's how Adam Vinatieri feels about Pat McAfee now.

The Colts kicker talked with Alex Marvez and Bill Polian of SiriusXM NFL Radio about missing his longtime partner on the field, according to NBC Sports.

McAfee suddenly retired last month, walking away from a $6 million contract over the next two seasons. The decision, however, wasn't totally out of the blue. The two-time Pro-Bowler recently had knee surgery for the third time in four years.

He's now working with satirical website Barstool Sports.

But Vinatieri is still longing for the good old days, saying he’s still “begging (McAfee) to come back.”

“I said, ‘Man, do both. You’re so good at punting. We need you. I need you,'" said Vinatieri of his former holder. "That was selfish of me to even say that because whatever he wants to do, and I know he’s going to be so successful at this, I’m excited for him. I just miss him. I talked to him and I was like, ‘Man, are you sure? It’s not the same without you, buddy.'”

Vinatieri, like the rest of us, is still waiting to see who the Colts' placeholder will be next season.

INDIANA SPORTS AWARDS

You can see Pat McAfee at this year's Indiana Sports Awards, where the former Colts punter will serve as the keynote speaker. The Indiana Sports Awards honor athletes in 38 categories — specific sports as well as well as at-large entries such as Male and Female Athletes of the Year. The event will be theater-style this year at Clowes Memorial Hall and include the announcement of IndyStar Mr. Basketball, presented by the Indiana Pacers, and IndyStar Miss Basketball, presented by the Indiana Fever. 

For ticket information click here.