Former NFL kicker Adam Vinatieri set a Guinness World Record by kicking a field goal at 11,332 feet (3,454 meters) above sea level on the Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe,” in the Swiss Alps on Tuesday. The attempt marked the start of the New England Patriots’ countdown to their November 15 game in Munich against the Detroit Lions.
Vinatieri’s record-setting kick took place at the Jungfraujoch, a mountain attraction in the Swiss Alps that sits at 11,332 feet above sea level. The 53-year-old Hall of Fame kicker, who spent 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts, described the conditions as completely different
from NFL games, citing the thin air, snow-covered ground, and swirling winds. You feel the altitude with every breath you take,
he said, per the NFL. Your heart rate is different. Your rhythm is different.
A Historical Kick in Unprecedented Conditions
Vinatieri’s attempt was part of a promotional effort for the Patriots’ upcoming international game in Munich, where they will face the Detroit Lions on November 15. The team partnered with Jungfrau Railways to set up goalposts in the snow at the Jungfraujoch, a location that mirrored the year-round snowy conditions
he experienced during his NFL career. The event also highlighted his iconic 2001 divisional playoff game kick against the Oakland Raiders, a 45-yard field goal in heavy snow that forced overtime and eventually helped New England advance toward its first Super Bowl championship.
A Career Defined by Moments in the Snow
Vinatieri’s reputation as a clutch kicker in adverse conditions dates back to his 2001 playoff run, when he kicked a 45-yard field goal in the divisional playoff game amid heavy snowfall. That kick, part of the controversial Tuck Rule Game,
forced overtime and eventually led to the Patriots’ first Super Bowl victory. His 23-yard overtime field goal sealed the victory, a moment immortalized in NFL history. The Bleacher Report noted that Vinatieri’s most famous kicks also came in snow
during that era, including the “Tuck Rule Game” and the 2001 Divisional Round.
The Swiss Alps challenge added another chapter to his legacy. I've had the chance to attempt a lot of special kicks in my career,
Vinatieri said, per NBC Sports, but getting to go for an official Guinness World Records title on snow at 3,454 meters in a Patriots jersey is truly something special.
The Patriots’ official release highlighted that the record attempt was not just a personal milestone but also a celebration of his 24-year NFL career, which included four Super Bowl championships and the NFL’s all-time scoring record of 2,673 points.
What’s Next for the Patriots’ International Push
The Jungfraujoch event officially launched the Patriots’ countdown to their November 15 game in Munich, their second international matchup in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). The team has been promoting the game as part of its efforts to connect with fans in the region, with Vollmer noting the strong support from fans in the region. Every week I see how many people in Germany, Austria and Switzerland stand by this team,
he said, per the Patriots’ release.
The Allianz Arena in Munich will host the game, marking the Patriots’ upcoming international game in Munich. For Vinatieri, the record attempt underscored his enduring connection to the team and its history, even as he transitions into retirement after his final NFL kick on Dec. 1, 2019.