Free Agent Spotlight: Vince Wilfork

Sep 21, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork (75) during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

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New England Patriots

Wilfork was a model of stability for the Patriots, starting every game 8 of his 11 seasons, and only playing less then 13 games once. He rotated at the 3-4 nose tackle position with veteran Keith Traylor in his rookie season, and finished with 42 tackles and two sacks on a Patriots squad that would win Super Bowl XXXIX.

The next season, the big man would start all 16 games for the Patriots, and finished with 54 tackles. He would miss the final three games of the 2006 season with a lower body injury, but returned in time for the playoffs.

Wilfork has also been a veteran presence at the Pro Bowl, being voted after the 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 seasons, starting all but three games over that span. But in 2013, Wilfork would sustain a significant injury in a Week 4 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. It would later be revealed that Wilfork had torn his Achilles’ tendon, and he would finish the season on injury reserve.

2014 proved to be a great comeback year for Vince. He once again played in all 16 games for New England, racking up 42 tackles, while also recording an interception against the Oakland Raiders and even blocking a kick. The Patriots then went on to Super Bowl XLIX, where Wilfork would take home his second Super Bowl victory, starting and ending his tenure in New England with Super Bowl wins.

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