Vardy, 37, didn't play a minute of preseason football for Leicester but was named up front for their Premier League opener, a 1-1 draw on Monday at the King Power Stadium. Vardy was part of their title-winning team in 2016 and was back in the top flight with Leicester after they were promoted from the Championship last season.
He scored Leicester's equaliser in the 57th minute with a well-placed header -- after he was pictured drinking a can of Red Bull at half time as he left the dressing room -- and was substituted in the 79th-minute to a standing ovation.
As he left the pitch he was jeered by the travelling Tottenham fans and he appeared to goad them further by pointing at the Premier League badge on his arm and holding up one finger, seemingly referring to the title they won in 2016. He then pointed at the Spurs fans -- a club who are yet to win a Premier League title -- made a zero sign with his finger and walked off.
"You take a bit of stick during the game, but it's part of football," Vardy said. "As long as they can take it when I'm giving it back, that's all that matters."
Vardy was also seen in a verbal altercation with Tottenham defender Cristian Romero as he left the pitch.
"I see it [age] as just a number. As long as I keep looking after myself and my legs keep feeling great, then I will carry on for as long as is physically possible," Vardy said afterwards.
"I wouldn't say I am doing anything differently playing-wise. Probably adapted a bit by dropping in but I think the main thing is I am looking after myself recovery-wise to the maximum. I was as fit as a fiddle until I got to about 65 minutes, if I'm honest!"
Vardy's Impact and Tottenham's Wastefulness
Dominic Solanke is the man Spurs hope will provide the goals that have been missing since Harry Kane's departure to Bayern Munich last year, and while he was unable to provide the sort of impact he would have liked in Monday's 1-1 draw with Leicester, there is plenty of time on his side.
After Pedro Porro gave Tottenham the lead in a first half they dominated, Vardy equalised with Leicester's first attempt on target just before the hour mark, heading in a cross from close range.
Despite his advancing years, Vardy provided a reminder of his incredible talent in front of goal, something that seems to have improved with age. This was his 104th Premier League goal after the age of 30 - all of them for Leicester.
"I would imagine Vardy is Leicester's greatest-ever player," former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports. "He is a special footballer."
A Frustrating Night for Tottenham
After a strong start last season, injuries hampered their bid to finish in the top four, but their lack of cutting edge at times also played a part.
That was the case in the opening 45 minutes at King Power Stadium, with Tottenham utterly dominant and creating opportunities, but simply failing to take them.
Solanke missed two, putting headers from decent positions straight at the goalkeeper.
But the former Bournemouth striker was taking up good positions and his team-mates were sometimes guilty of failing to make the most of that with some poor passing in the final third.
"They were so much in control, but you always feel like they can let you down and concede a goal," added Carragher.
"It was like a pre-season friendly for them for the first half."
Solanke was lethal for Bournemouth last season, netting 19 goals in the Premier League, and it is far too early to be concerned by his failure to score in his first competitive appearance for Tottenham.
But with the hefty price tag comes pressure to deliver, and he will want a goal sooner rather than later to show the investment can prove to be money well spent.
"This is a test for him," former Manchester United defender Gary Neville said on Sky Sports.
"There will be moments. There were moments and big chances and he will be judged on moments like that. He needs to make sure he doesn't beat himself up in the next few days.
"He probably should have had one or two, but he will get goals if he carries on doing that."
Despite failing to build on their first-half dominance, Tottenham could have won the game in the final few seconds but finishing again let them down as Richarlison headed wide.
"It was a disappointing outcome for us," Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou told BBC Sport.
"I thought we were excellent [in the] first half and controlled the game.
"We created chances and weren't ruthless enough and wasteful at times, making poor decisions at other times, lacking composure. It's stuff we need to fix. When you are so dominant you need to make sure it is reflected in the scoreline."
Leicester's Resilience and Vardy's Enduring Spirit
Eight years ago Leicester were celebrating the fairytale of becoming Premier League champions, but this season the priority is to stay up.
They were promoted back to the top flight last term by winning the Championship, but title-winning manager Enzo Maresca left to join Chelsea and a possible points deduction for allegedly breaching profit and sustainability rules still looms.
Amid the change and uncertainty there is the constant of Vardy.
He was Leicester's top scorer last season with 18 goals and could have had two on Monday night, but saw a second-half effort saved after running clear.
That could have been attributed to rustiness, having barely featured in pre-season because of injury, but with Leicester boss Steve Cooper struggling for fit forwards to face Tottenham, Vardy stepped up.
The veteran lasted 79 minutes on his return before making way for Stephy Mavididi.
Vardy, though, was not done there. As the veteran made his way off the field, he had some choice words for Spurs defender Cristian Romero having battled with the Argentine throughout the draw.
"Three days ago we were without an experienced striker," Cooper said. "He just showed so much desire to play. He did what he does.
"We know if we can get decent balls into the box we have the guy who can find some space. He got injured a month ago, has trained once really, and he goes and does that."
Looking Ahead
Vardy's return and his impact on the game serve as a stark reminder of his enduring talent. His ability to score goals, even after such a long absence from competitive action, speaks volumes about his dedication and commitment to the game. Tottenham's inability to capitalize on their dominance will be a source of frustration for fans and manager alike. This game was a stark reminder of their need for greater ruthlessness in front of goal, and the pressure on Solanke to deliver will only intensify.
Both teams will be looking to bounce back in their next fixtures. Tottenham will host Everton on Saturday, August 24, while Leicester will face Newcastle United away on the same day.
