Vinatieri battling 'demons,' not considering retirement

Adam Vinatieri is far more interested in resolving his early-season struggles than retiring.

"I'm going to work a lot this week to get those demons so I can go clear-headed, step on the field, and just do my job," the longtime Indianapolis Colts kicker said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Mike Wells.

Vinatieri is off to a hideous start in 2019. He's 1-for-3 on field-goal attempts and 2-for-5 on extra points. Historically, the 46-year-old has been one of the most reliable and clutch kickers in the game.

After a pair of PAT misses in Week 2, Vinatieri seemed to be considering retirement. He told a reporter Sunday that he'd address the media the next day - even though the Colts had no such sessions scheduled.

"That was one (of) those situations that I was walking out of the locker room," he explained Tuesday. "Quite frankly, for two decades, we've always had open locker rooms on a Monday, and granted our schedule has changed as of last year. When I walked out saying I'll talk to you guys on Monday, I just needed a little bit more time. Like I said, none of us should assume stuff."

The four-time Super Bowl champion explicitly noted that he wasn't mulling retirement.

The Colts committed to sticking with him through his cold stretch. Head coach Frank Reich declared Monday: "There's no guy I trust more than Adam Vinatieri."

"I think every time you step on the field you have a certain amount of pressure on you to succeed," the kicker said. "I don't think it changes much at all at that point. Obviously I would like to get back on the making side. As far as pressure, change, I don't think it makes that much of a difference."

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