Vince Wilfork will be forever loved in New England
With the AFC Divisional round kicking off on Saturday, the New England Patriots will be seeing a host of old faces when the Houston Texans line up across from them on Saturday night. Among those returning to New England as part of the Houston Texans’ franchise include Bill O’Brien, Romeo Crennel and Mike Vrabel. All former Patriots’ coaches and players still hold a place in the hearts of New England Patriots’ fans. However, a very special place is held by Houston Texans’ nose tackle Vince Wilfork.
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Vince Wilfork spent many years with the New England Patriots and was integral in the success of the Patriots’ franchise as a rock on the defensive line. That is why it may be with heavy hearts that current members of the New England Patriots will line up across from the beloved Wilfork on Saturday night, perhaps for the last time.
Vince Wilfork was the ultimate teammate and a wonderful example of a football player and a man. Emotions will be high in Foxborough as Vince Wilfork lines up across from the Patriots.
Current New England Patriots’ players and coaches weighed in on Vince Wilfork as a player, person and friend.
Tom Brady commented on big Vince Wilfork.
“I’ve looked over center for many years and seen him. He’s just in a different jersey. But he’s still just a force. I mean both in the run game and the pass game. He still gets pressure in the pocket. Vince has been one of the best players in the league since he got in the league. He’s been a great addition for (the Texans). I hate playing against him. I’d much rather have him on our team, but that’s not the way it works out, or worked out last year. But it’s still great to see him playing and playing well.”
Dont’a Hightower mentioned the impact Vince Wilfork had on him as a player.
“He’s a great man. Great football player, even better man. (I) still keep in contact with him. Just all around he was one of the guys who really helped me learn what it is to be a pro. (He) kind of taught me what the game is. So I appreciate him and obviously (Jerod) Mayo and a couple other guys, but Vince is definitely a big part of what he did when he was here.”
Of course it would be Bill Belichick speaking highly of the man he coached.
“I have all the respect in the world for Vince. He and (his wife) Bianca and his family have been great assets to this organization, and I thoroughly enjoyed the time that I had to coach Vince from when he came into the league and his time here and the great success that he had and we had together. He’s a great player. He was a great attribute to this football organization. I know he’s respected from the top to the bottom and everywhere in between.”
Nobody can downplay the importance of Vince Wilfork as a key member of the New England Patriots’ defense and his leadership with the franchise. It will be great to see big Vince on Saturday night. Let’s just hope he isn’t too disruptive to the Patriots’ offense.
We miss you big Vince!
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