Seeing Adam Vinatieri in an Indianapolis Colts jersey for the first time was a strange experience for New England Patriots fans, who watched the kicker help their team win three Super Bowls before swapping the Flying Elvis for the horseshoe.
Vinatieri expects similar sentiments to surround wide receiver Reggie Wayne, who reportedly agreed Monday to a one-year contract with the Patriots after spending 14 seasons in Indianapolis.
“For him to have that jersey on will be weird, no question,’’ Vinatieri told reporters Monday, via Indy Sports Central. “I think our fans will welcome him with open arms. I remember seeing Edgerrin James come back and Jeff Saturday … and they do that nice ‘Thank you for everything.’
“I’ve been a teammate of his for nine years, and I’ve seen all the great things he’s done. I’ll cheer for him, too.’’
Vinatieri joined the Colts in 2006 after a decade in New England. He and Wayne had been teammates ever since.
“There are so many good things about the NFL,’’ Vinatieri told reporters. “But the turnover and friends getting cut or leaving or going to other places, that’s the truth about the NFL.
“I’m happy for him. I know he wanted to play football. He’s a great competitor and a great athlete and a great receiver. He’s going to make (the Patriots) better.’’
The Patriots’ acquisition of Wayne, the NFL’s active leader in catches and receiving yards, adds another dash of intrigue to the Week 6 matchup between New England and Indianapolis. The Sunday night showdown also is a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship Game — the game that kicked off Deflategate — and would represent Tom Brady’s season debut if the quarterback’s four-game suspension is upheld.
Thumbnail photo via Derik Hamilton/USA TODAY Sports Images
