Dozens of young players can learn from Colts' Adam Vinatieri, Reggie Wayne, Dwight Freeney

Adam Vinatieri has been put in his place -- as the Indianapolis Colts' oldest player -- on more than one occasion.

Last week, the 39-year-old place-kicker passed a couple of offensive linemen in the hallway. One had just joined the team.

"I said, 'Hi,' to one of the other players," Vinatieri said. "As I walked past, I heard one of them go, 'Man, I thought he was one of the coaches.'

"Then he realized I was out there (at practice) with a jersey on."

On Monday, rookie quarterback Andrew Luck was asked his reaction to having a player of Vinatieri's stature seal his first NFL victory. Vinatieri's 53-yard field goal with 8 seconds remaining delivered a 23-20 victory over Minnesota.

"I'm probably closer in age to his kids than him,'' Luck said, laughing.

The 23-year-old quarterback was spot on. Luck is 16 years younger than Vinatieri and 14 years older than Vinatieri's 9-year old son, A.J.

"Just to have him as a teammate is cool," Luck said.

The Colts' roster includes 15 players who are rookies or considered first-year players. Only Cleveland, with 16, has more.

Virtually every position teems with inexperience.

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