OWINGS MILLS, Md. — When Adam Vinatieri broke the NFL record for consecutive field goals made, one of those applauding from afar was Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker.
“It’s so cool to see him doing as well as he’s doing,” Tucker said. “He’s always been one of my favorite players to watch. He’s one of my sports heroes ever since I started caring about football.”
Tucker, 27, was in second grade when Vinatieri’s NFL career began. They’re the top two kickers in the league this season.
Tucker and Vinatieri are the only two kickers who have made all of their field-goal tries (with over 10 attempts). They are each 18-for-18 on field goals this year, and both have made 11 kicks of at least 40 yards. The rest of the NFL is 68.3 percent on those same long-range kicks (119 of 174) in 2016.
On Sunday, Vinatieri broke the 12-year old NFL record held by former Indianapolis Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt with his 43rd successful field goal in a row. Not only does Tucker admire Vinatieri, he is pushed by him as well.
Tucker, who has made 25 straight field goals, has set his sights on Vinatieri’s mark.
“It’s out there,” Tucker said. “He’s setting the bar high, and he’s continuing to set the bar even higher.”
