Vince Wilfork’s 13th NFL season didn’t end with a trip to the Super Bowl like five of his seasons with the New England Patriots. But the five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle did get a standing ovation as he walked off the field at Gillette Stadium, likely for the last time.
Vince Wilfork didn’t say if he’ll retire, but Saturday felt like farewell
Patriots fans gave a standing ovation to the five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle.
James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Texans are scheduled to play a road game against the Patriots in 2017, but his contract is through with the Texans, and it seems likely that Wilfork’s playing days are also over.
“I will take my time and think about it. I think I have played my last NFL football game,” Wilfork said after the Texans’ 34-16 loss. “I will take the time and do my due diligence and sit back see if I really want to retire. We will see.”
Wilfork, 35, first entered the NFL as a first-round pick in the 2004 NFL Draft and earned five trips to the Pro Bowl during his 11 seasons in New England. But his popularity with Patriots fans extended beyond just his dominance as a massive run stopper.
He also brought big personality, and when he joined the Texans on a two-year, $9 million deal in 2015, he put that personality on full display in Houston.
With one play left in the game, Texans coach Bill O’Brien substituted Wilfork out of the game to a huge ovation. The love from the crowd continued for the nose tackle after the game.
It wasn’t the storybook ending that Peyton Manning got, but the goodbye Saturday felt like a fitting end to Wilfork’s career.
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