Adam Vinatieri Gets Booed at Gillette Stadium, Knows Jeers Not as Bad as Johnny Damon Treatment

FOXBORO, Mass. — Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri wasn’t wearing pinstripes, but that’s about all he had going for him during Sunday’s loss to the Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

The Patriot legend was loudly booed before, during and after his lone field-goal attempt — to the point where he was asked if he felt like Johnny Damon when he returned to Fenway Park in a Yankees uniform.

“Well, yes but no,” Vinatieri said. “I mean, I never played for the Yankees, so I think it’s a little bit more of a hatred.”

Vinatieri had played at Gillette Stadium two other times since signing with the Colts in 2006, so he had gotten used to the hostility. However, he said the fans were nice and respectful toward him when he was near the Colts’ bench, so the field goal was actually an aberration.

“Obviously it’s a fun place to play,” Vinatieri said. “The fans are great, wild and crazy, and obviously, there are some good memories here. Yeah, it’s a special place to play, and any time you step on the field and play the game that you love, it’s always fun.”