Ageless Vinatieri wins AFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors

The Colts have turned to a pair of 40-somethings in quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and kicker Adam Vinatieri to keep their playoff hopes alive with star quarterback Andrew Luck sidelined with a lacerated kidney. 

Thursday, the NFL recognized one of them for his efforts, as Vinatieri was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November.

The 42-year old Vinatieri, the NFL's oldest player, converted all 11 of his field goal attempts in helping the Colts to a 3-1 record during the month, including the game-winner in the team's 24-21 win over the Atlanta Falcons Nov. 22. He also connected on 9-of-10 extra-point attempts during the stretch. 

November marks the fourth time in Vinatieri's 20-year career he's won AFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors, and his first as a member of Colts. Vinatieri, who spent the first 10 years of his career with the New England Patriots, was previously recognized in October of 1998, September of 1999 and November of 2004.

Vinatieri and the Colts, who are tied for first place in the AFC South with the Houston Texans, take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night.