Bob's Discount Furniture, the 2008 Furniture Retailer of the Year with stores in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island, announced that it just completed filming a series of new television commercials featuring New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. The series of three-thirty second television commercials will start to run on television and cable stations during the week of December 29, 2008 throughout the Northeast.

The new Bob's Discount Furniture television commercials featuring Vince Wilfork, his wife Bianca, their son and daughter, were produced by the Bob's Discount Furniture in-house production team. The three television spots capture Vince and Bianca talking about their new Bob-O-Pedic mattresses, functional living room sectional and affordable children's bedroom furniture that was recently purchased at Bob's Discount Furniture.

The idea to create a series of television commercials with the Wilforks only recently developed after their visit to the Bob's Discount Furniture location in Bellingham, MA. "Bianca came into our store, selected several rooms of furniture and was so gracious about her shopping experience that she offered to help spread the word about Bob's Discount Furniture," explained Doug Robinson, manager, Bob's Discount Furniture, Bellingham, MA. "I found Vince and Bianca to be wonderful people and really down to earth."

"It wasn't overwhelming like other stores I've been in before, and the people were very helpful," said Bianca Wilfork describing her furniture shopping experience.

As a happy customer, Vince Wilfork concludes in the commercials, "We'll probably be making a few more trips out there."

Wilfork joined the New England Patriots football team in 2004 and has played in 61 games with 51 starts. In 2007, Wilfork earned his first career Pro Bowl selection and was named to the Associated Press All-Pro Second Team. He is an active member of the Mass Mentoring Partnership, a group dedicated to supporting mentoring in Massachusetts and also served as the honorary ringmaster for the Big Apple Circus in 2007 in a fundraising performance to benefit the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.

(furninfo.com)

As for his own health situation, Wilfork was even more positive. Proclaiming that he felt "better ... a lot better," Wilfork said that he intends to suit up for Sunday's game in Oakland. He left the Seattle game in the first quarter last weekend with a shoulder injury and never returned to action.

"Oh, yeah ... oh, yeah ... no question. I'm ready for Sunday," he said. "I wanted to play [the rest of the Seahawks game], but I just couldn't. I couldn't move my arm at all. I’m not going to put myself and my team in a situation where I’m basically useless out there on the field. [Last] Sunday, I was … but now, it’s a lot better."

Wilfork revealed that the pain was intense when he first suffered the injury, but that it has since subsided. He's still sore, he admitted, but in the heat of a playoff chase, he wants to be out there with his teammates.

"I'm very fortunate that it wasn't anything major. I'm ready to grind it out. I'm looking forward to grinding it out. I love the game. If I can run and use my hands, I can play this game. I can do that [now]. I don’t know how well I can … I’ll find out on Sunday. I felt good practicing yesterday, so, hoping to get better over time. Couple days to go … just have to be smart.”

(patriots.com)

Vince Wilfork, NT, Patriots. No fantasy candidate himself, Wilfork belongs here because his shoulder injury could affect the rest of his defense. Wilfork is the key to New England's three-man line, so if he misses any time, coaches could adjust to play a 4-3 front more often. In addition, the absence of Wilfork's enormous stationary body up front will make it easier for blockers to reach the linebackers. That could hurt Jerod Mayo a bit. It's not time for any player downgrades just yet, but let's keep an eye on the situation.

(sportingnews.com)

BOSTON, Mass. - New England Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel and defensive lineman Vince Wilfork were honored at the Children's Hospital Boston event "Champions for Children's" at the Seaport World Trade Center Boston Tuesday night.

Cassel and Wilfork were recognized as "Champion Award" recipients, an annual honor bestowed on Boston athletes who exemplify outstanding commitment to the community and to Children's Hospital.

Each year, players from the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox and New England Revolution join representatives of Boston's financial, real estate and venture capital communities to raise funds for Children's Hospital at "Champions for Children's". All money raised goes to the Children's Fund for patient care, research and community outreach programs for kids who need it most. This year's event was hosted by ESPN's Chris Berman and WEEI's Glenn Ordway.

Cassel and Wilfork visited Children's Hospital Boston this year making room-to-room visits with patients.

Cassel said he is "always amazed" with the work and research done at Children's Hospital and is thankful for the opportunity to help the children.

"As professional athletes we are so blessed to be able to do what we do," Cassel said. "To be able to use our position to give back to the community, especially at a place like Children's Hospital, is very special. To make an impact on these young children's lives and their families is something that we are happy and lucky to do."

Wilfork said visiting with patients and their families is something that "hits home" for him. His father David passed away after a long battle with diabetes.

Wilfork said he knows what the patients' families are going through and always wants to "lift their spirits." 

"It is a blessing to see these kids live every day because even though they are struggling they never give up," Wilfork said. "Going through what I went through as a youngster, I know how tough it can be for these families. Visiting with these kids is something that is very special to me. If I can put a smile on their face just by giving them a handshake, hug or by taking a picture it's something special."

(patriots.com)

FOXBOROUGH - Among the many things the Patriots had to be thankful for yesterday as they took a brief timeout to celebrate Thanksgiving, nose tackle Vince Wilfork should be near the top of their list.

On a defense that has lost safety Rodney Harrison and linebacker Adalius Thomas, the 6-foot-2-inch, 325-pound Wilfork has been among the team's most reliable and redoubtable players.

Despite playing a position that calls for him to face persistent double teams, Wilfork is fourth on the team in tackles with 56, according to coaches' calculations. While the gregarious fifth-year lineman has done his usual job taking on offensive linemen, he also has taken on an increased leadership role as a defensive captain.

Wilfork has a $1.4 million base salary this season, but his contract expires at the conclusion of the 2009 season. The Patriots have a lot of big-name players whose contracts are up after 2009, including defensive end Richard Seymour, left guard Logan Mankins, and linebackers Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel, but arguably nobody would leave a bigger hole - both literally and figuratively - than Wilfork.

Nose tackle is a key component of the 3-4 scheme because the player has to be able to occu py and fight off the center and a guard on any given play.

All playoff-contending AFC teams that play the 3-4, including the Patriots' opponent Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers, have good nose tackles.

The Steelers, who have the NFL's top-rated defense, rely on 6-1, 325-pound Casey Hampton, who has made three straight Pro Bowls and four overall. The New York Jets are greatly improved because of Kris Jenkins. The Baltimore Ravens, who lost nose tackle Kelly Gregg for the season with a left knee injury, have used the gifted Haloti Ngata, a 2006 first-round pick, at the nose.

"They are getting increasingly tough to find," said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. "That's why most of the people that have got a good one, they've found them in the first round of drafts."

Nowhere was Wilfork's importance more apparent than last week against the Dolphins, as he helped the Patriots hold Miami to 62 rushing yards on 19 carries.

Dolphins center Samson Satele, who has faced Jenkins, San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl nose tackle Jamal Williams, and Ngata, said Wilfork rates right at the top.

"On top, yeah, on top," said Satele, who gave the obligatory nod to teammate Jason Ferguson, a favorite of Dolphins head football honcho Bill Parcells, who had Ferguson with the Jets and Dallas Cowboys.

"I would put J-Ferg on top first; he is the one that has made me better this year. But then Vince. The guys in our [division] are the best: Kris Jenkins and [Buffalo Bills defensive tackle] Marcus Stroud and all them."

Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said it takes an unusual physical specimen to play nose tackle. You can't just be a clumsy giant. You have to be a juggernaut with balance.

"It's not just a big guy you put in there," said Ryan. "He has to control his body and somebody else's body. He has to make plays on both sides of the center, both 'A' gaps. The other thing is he's got to be smart, be able to read blocking patterns."

Satele said that is one thing that separates Wilfork.

"He's just smart," said Satele. "He knows when to fire out and when not to. He has been in the league for quite a while, so he knows some of the little tips. If the guard looks at him, he knows that he is coming his way. He is a low-center-of-gravity guy; you can't move him. I mean, you can, but you have to get lower than him."

Ryan said the best nose tackles get double-teamed and do not yield, then come off the block and make tackles or push the pocket in the passing game.

Ryan called Wilfork a good nose tackle, but favors his nose tackle, Gregg, as the best in the game when healthy. Ryan said the best true two-gap nose tackle he has seen was 365-pound Ted Washington, who played for the Patriots in 2003. "At one time it was ridiculous how good he was," said Ryan.

"Most of the good ones stay square," said Ryan. "I think when Vince makes a mistake, it's because he turns his shoulder."

The Patriots replaced Washington in 2004 by using a first-round pick on Wilfork, who has made a remarkable transition from a penetrating 4-3 defensive tackle at the University of Miami to an immutable 3-4 nose man in New England.

If a nose tackle the caliber of Wilfork, who will be 28 at the end of the 2009 season, reaches free agency, he will be in high demand.

"He's a good one. There will be a lot of takers out there if he's a free agent," said Ryan. "Everybody needs them; 3-4 nose tackles are hard to find. That's why Parcells always brings Jason Ferguson with him. And if you can two-gap, you can play in any system, too. I'd love to have [Wilfork], no question. No doubt, they're going to have to pay him."

(bostonherald.com)

FOXBORO -- Looking at the stats, the New England defense certainly has some strengths, but it has some weaknesses as well, especially on third down and in the red zone.

Rest assured, the Patriots know they have work to do in those areas.

Vince Wilfork may be a defensive captain, but Pats players don't usually make declarations about areas that need repair without it coming from head coach Bill Belichick. So when Wilfork said this week that New England "will" get better on his side of the ball, it's likely Belichick has been on the unit more than usual.

"We need to get better on third down and red zone. We will improve," Wilfork said. "If we don't improve, we'll be looking at a long offseason."

New England ranks 31 out of 32 teams in red-zone defense, allowing opponents to score touchdowns on 22 of 33 opportunities inside the 20-yard line. On third down, the Patriots allow conversions 44 percent of the time, which is 27th in the league.

Wilfork promised that the defense will improve, and will do whatever is necessary to achieve that -- whether it be extra work in the film room, in meetings, or during walkthroughs and practices.

"I know we can get better. I know we will get better," he said.

The defense has been criticized for being so porous, particularly on third down, as teams have been able to convert third and longs with frequency in recent weeks: The Jets' converted a third and 15 in overtime, leading to their game-winning field goal. Last week in Miami the Dolphins converted three third-downs during one touchdown drive.

Wilfork doesn't mind the criticism.

"That's fine, I've heard worse," he said, smiling slightly. "We know what we're capable of doing as a defensive unit. I like people doubting us - when we [improve], those people will be eating their words."

(projo.com)

The Boston Globe reports New England Patriots NT Vince Wilfork continues to try to clear his name after meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell last week about his style of play and avoiding a suspension but being fined $35,000 for an elbow to the head of Denver Broncos QB Jay Cutler. Wilfork said last Friday that a big part of his meeting, which addressed the nose tackle's penchant for perceived dirty play, focused on his elbow to the left knee of Bills QB J.P. Losman last season, a borderline low blow after Losman released the ball that knocked the Bills quarterback out for three games and resulted in Wilfork being fined $12,500 (reduced upon appeal to $10,000). ESPN initially reported that during the meeting and after reviewing that play with the commissioner, Wilfork admitted to Goodell his hit on Losman was a cheap shot. Yesterday he issued a statement through his agent repudiating that report. "After a very productive and fulfilling meeting with the NFL commissioner, it was inaccurately reported by ESPN that I stated that the hit on Buffalo Bills QB J.P. Losman last season was a cheap shot," said the statement. "I did not say that. I am not that type of player and would never intentionally try [to injure] a fellow NFL colleague."

(rotoworld.com)

Commissioner Roger Goodell was poised to suspend New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork due to his previous illegal hits over the past two seasons, but a DVD from the Patriots' video department saved him from at least a forced week off this season, league sources told ESPN.

Wilfork's wife Bianca, who joined Wilfork for the meeting, handed Goodell the DVD with a different camera angle that showed Wilfork may not have hit Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler in the head on a play in the Oct. 20 meeting between the Broncos and Patriots.

On the alternate DVD, Cutler could be seen picking himself up and patting Wilfork on the helmet after the play.

Wilfork started his meeting with Goodell admitting a hit to Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman last season was a cheap shot, but when the commissioner started to to review the alleged late hit on Cutler, Wilfork's wife handed the commissioner the new DVD.

Wilfork was fined $35,000 but not suspended. Vince and Bianca Wilfork wrote a thank you letter to Goodell at the end of the week.

A league official maintains there was no clarity on either tape as to whether Wilfork hit Cutler in the head.

(espn.com)

Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, who was not suspended by the NFL for a hit on Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler, has been fined $35,000.

Wilfork met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in New York on Wednesday, and Goodell decided to forgo a possible suspension. The Associated Press, citing a person familiar with the case, reported that Wilfork instead would be fined.

Wilfork was summoned to meet with Goodell after the Broncos claimed that tape of New England's 41-7 victory Oct. 20 showed Wilfork elbowing Cutler in the helmet.

Wilford was not suspended because video of the incident did not show intent, a league source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

(espn.com)

A league source tells PFT that Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork will be fined but will not be suspended after meeting Tuesday with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Per the source, Goodell had suspension on his mind heading into the meeting but came out of it convinced that Wilfork understands the league’s focus on player safety.

Wilfork was summoned to the league offices because of several incidents in which he appeared to be trying to injure opponents, most recently a late hit on Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler.

(pft.com)

A one-game suspension could be looming for Vince Wilfork [stats].

According to a source close to Wilfork, the Patriots [team stats] nose tackle met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell yesterday in New York to discuss what the league believes is a pattern of dirty play.

The NFL Network reported Sunday the league was investigating Wilfork for an alleged elbow to the helmet of Denver quarterback Jay Cutler during the Pats’ 41-7 victory two weeks ago. The hit wasn’t caught on the broadcast, but it appeared on the Broncos coaches’ film, which was given to the league.

Wilfork’s past won’t help him. Despite repeated protestations that he’s not a dirty player, he was fined $12,500 last season for a hit to the knee of J.P. Losman that sidelined the Buffalo Bills quarterback for two weeks. The penalty was appealed and reduced to $2,500.

Even with the reduction, Wilfork racked up nearly $30,000 in fines for various infractions during the 2007 season, including a late hit on Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten ($5,000), a poke to the eye of New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs ($15,000) that Wilfork admits crossed the line, and a wrenching of running back Michael Turner’s facemask ($5,000) in the AFC title game against the San Diego Chargers.

“People I’ve met, people I’ve talked with, they know me as a person,” Wilfork said at the end of training camp. “The thing I did worry about last year was my reputation, but I think, at the end of the day, I was fine with it. I was fine with everything from a player’s standpoint. The guys I play against understand the level of play that I play at.”

(bostonherald.com)

From NFL Network's Adam Schefter:
"Based on the fact that the league is cracking down on questionable hits, and based on the fact that Vince Wilfork also has some records on his resume there ... he is staring straight at the possibility of facing disciplinary action this week, which could include a suspension."

As Schefter reports, ESPN cameras missed Wilfork's shot to Cutler's head during a Patriots fumble return, but the coach's tape caught it.

(nfl.com)

In the lockerroom a short while ago, Vince Wilfork voiced his desire to emulate Troy Brown, and retire a lifelong Patriot. The nose tackle, who has two years remaining on his current pact, would love to make his stay in New England a permanent one.”I’m going to do everything in my will power to stay. I’m pretty sure, they’re going to do the same thing,” Wilfork said. ”I love my teammates. I love this organization. I love my coaches. It’s very rare when you have somebody that really loves his company in the lockerroom, where you can sit back and laugh, and just have fun and play football. It’s rare.”

Wilfork claimed there had been no discussions or progress on a new deal or extension.

”I got two more years. That’s something I’m not even worried about right now. That’ll take care of itself,” he said. ”I’m a football player. I signed up for six years. That’s what I’m looking to play. If anything happens between now and then, it happens. But I’m looking to play all my six. But I’m happy. I can’t get any happier than I am.

”I want to end my career here. I want to end my football career to end in New England. If they don’t know, I’m pretty sure you guys will let them know how much I love it here. i don’t want to go anywhere else. When I signed here, the first thing I said in my press conference, ‘I want to start a Patriot, and I want to end a Patriot. ‘

”I’m far from not being finished. I got a couple more years before I call it quits,” he went on. ”I love it here, man. You can’t find anybody else that can come in and work, and like their company. Everyone you meet here is unbelievable. I don’t have any complaints. None. I can’t complain about anything. I’m happy. I’m always smiling. I love to do what I do. Playing football, and having fun with the guys I do battle with every Sunday. That’s what I look forward to.”

Wilfork voiced his admiration for Brown, who retired after 15 seasons in one uniform - as a Patriot.

”I hope I can put in as many as he did,” Wilfork said of Brown. ”He had a lot of respect for these guys in this lockerrroom, upstairs and everywhere. I have the same respect (for him). Learn from the best. When you have guys like that, showing you the way, leading the way of how to be person, how to be a teammate, how to be a leader . . . he left his mark in this lockerroom. He left his mark on me. He’s a good guy to idolize.”

(bostonherald.com)

FOXBOROUGH - Vince Wilfork and Frank Gore are friends, former University of Miami teammates now playing at a high level in the NFL.

Wilfork said there will be no conversation between the two during this week, what with Wilfork's New England Patriots and Gore's San Francisco 49ers set to meet Sunday on the West Coast.

Wilfork will certainly see his share of Gore come Sunday. But the more significant question is will the nose tackle and his teammates simply catch glimpses of the running back or will they be able to wrap him up - in bear hugs, if you will - more times than not?

The 5-foot-9, 217-pound Gore is averaging 19 carries per game and 4.9 yards per carry for the 49ers, and he also is tied for the team lead with 15 receptions. He has surpassed 1,000 yards rushing in each of the last two seasons.

The fourth-year pro is an incredibly helpful weapon for young quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan not only because he can produce big plays on his own but also because he can help his QB open up the downfield passing game which has been the trademark of offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

"We just need to make sure we wrap him up," Wilfork said. "There are times (on film) when you think they have him, but he pops out. We've just got to be really good about wrapping up people, especially him.

"It starts with stopping the run," he added, "that puts you in good situations."

The Patriots are coming off a dismal defensive performance against the Miami Dolphins, a 38-13 loss. Opponents are converting at a crisp 48 percent on third down, and they are averaging 140 rushing yards per game.

At this point, the 2-1 Patriots are simply a defensive unit coming off a bad performance. If the 49ers are able to find holes and those numbers on third down and in the run game persist another week, however, then the Patriots could start to look like a team with more signficant flaws.

Gore has much more of a track record than O'Sullivan, so the Patriots will undoubtedly try to attack a quarterback who has been sacked 19 times through a 2-2 start.

New England coach Bill Belichick pointed out that O'Sullivan, who spent a short time on the Patriots' practice squad in 2006, is more mobile but less experienced than other quarterbacks such as Kurt Warner and Jon Kitna who have directed offenses for Martz in the past. The former UC Davis QB has completed 61 percent of his passes this season with four touchdowns and three interceptions.

"Athletic, good arm, live arm, can make all the throws, quick feet, can stay alive in the pocket, improvise, make some plays scrambling around," Belichick said when asked about the 6-foot-2, 227-pound O'Sullivan.

"I don't think it was a question of talent or anything else. For us, it was more about opportunity and reps and how many quarterbacks you can work with. He got into a good competitive situation in San Francisco and made the most of it. I think he deserves credit for perseverance."

O'Sullivan, a sixth-year pro with no starts prior to this season, does not look forward to facing a 3-4 defense - three down linemen and four linebackers - and this is one which has stifled many a young quarterback. A 3-4 means there is an extra linebacker in the game, a defender who might rush or might drop into coverage.

"Most quarterbacks will tell you that they don't love the 3-4 because there is extra guy standing up," O'Sullivan said. "Once you've seen it, you understand they are trying to do certain things with their front. We're trying to stuff with our routes and protections. You get a little more comfortable with it, but I think you would rather see seven guys standing up than eight."

(masslive.com)

On Friday night, former UM great Vince Wilfork returned to Santaluces High in Lantana to have high school jersey retired. Check out the above video to see how the ceremony went. Also, below is a quick Q & A with Wilfork, courtesy of Sun Sentinel intern Laura Bernheim, who attended the event. And don't forget I'll answer questions from 5-6 p.m. (ET) tonight.

LB: Where do you keep your Super Bowl rings?
VW: In a safe at home. I barely bring them out. I brought and showed my national championship ring and the Super Bowl rings to show to the players in there. If I could touch one person in there, I did my job. I just told them that if they work hard, good things will happen.

LB: How much do you follow the University of Miami?
VW: Oh man, I still bleed orange and green.

LB:  What do you think of the job coach Randy Shannon is doing?
VW: One thing the team needed and Randy Shannon has brought is respect back to the organization and the entire coaching staff has done a hell of a job implementing those ideals. The players are doing a great job of reacting to that, too. It was something I responded to when he was my defensive coordinator. There was a level of respect as if he was the head coach. Between the resepect and discipline, we're on the right track.

LB: What's your most vivid memory of Coral Gables?
VW: Just putting on that U each week. I think everyone wants to do that deep down in their hearts. Playing college football at the U is like going to school at Harvard. When you mention college football, it's all about the University of Miami. Just going down there and being a part of something, being part of history.

LB: How competitive were practices at UM and how does it compare to Foxboro?
VW: Coral Gable practices were a lot tougher. You have to think more in Foxboro, be more aware of your surroundings and know what every body else is doing. We didn't have to worry about that as much in Coral Gables. You just focused on your job.

(sun-sentinel.com)

LANTANA, Fla. — A South Florida high school is retiring the jersey worn by New England Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork.

Wilfork wore No. 75 when he played for Santaluces Community High School in Lantana. He also had the number when he starred at the University of Miami.

School officials said Tuesday that Wilfork will attend a ceremony to retire the jersey before the Chiefs' game Friday night.

(fortmilltimes.com)

FOXBOROUGH – Nose tackle Vince Wilfork spoke passionately today about the Bernard Pollard hit that knocked Tom Brady out for the season.
Wilfork was fined last season for a hit on Bills quarterback J.P. Losman, and he was asked how fine a line it is between trying to make a play, and being fined for an illegal hit.

“Last year, I was there, I was tripped up and falling and I still got fined and flagged for the same exact thing. But I was tripped up. I didn’t dive at anyone’s legs, I didn’t cut a running back getting to a quarterback. And when I got fined last year, they said I got flagged because you’re not allowed to hit a quarterback below the waist,” Wilfork said.

“You take it for what it’s worth. I’ve been in that same position and been flagged and fined for it, so whatever happens, happens. I’m very interested to see what happens.”

Wilfork was then informed that the NFL ruled the hit legal.

“Well, it’s a problem. It’s going to be a problem,” he said. “Like I said, I’ve been there.”

Wilfork’s emotions were building a bit, perhaps due to the scrutiny he faced last year.

“You saw what I had to go through, hitting the quarterback below the waist last year. It wasn’t my fault … but I got flagged, a 15-yard unsportsmanlike for hitting the quarterback and I got fined, no if’s, and’s or but’s about it. Like I said, it’s very interesting to see what the NFL is going to do. They know they got me last year. I’m going to be on this one.

“Fair should be fair. They got me, point blank. I don’t want to get singled out. Don’t make me feel like I’m getting singled out. If you’re going to do a job, be consistent at what you do. This falls into the same category as mine, no if’s, and’s or but’s. He hit the quarterback below the waist. I hit a quarterback below the waist. I got fined. I got flagged. He didn’t get flagged. And from what I’m hearing, he didn’t get fined.

“It’s a problem. So the NFL can do what it wants to do, but it’s a problem. If you're going to make that call, be consistent with that call. He was there. He could have thrown the flag. ... We'll see where it goes. I'm [upset] about it because I've been through this."

(boston.com)

FOXBORO - Last season, a string of questionable hits by Vince Wilfork [stats] and accompanying fines by the league led to a reputation the Patriots [team stats] defensive lineman wanted no part of and staunchly defended himself against.

Dirty player?

First, there was the low tackle on Bills quarterback J.P. Losman. Then the late hit on Cowboys tight end Jason Witten. That was followed by the finger-poke inside the facemask of Giants running back Brandon Jacobs during the regular-season finale. And, finally, a grab to Michael Turner’s facemask in the AFC Championship Game also cost him.

In all, Wilfork was rung up for nearly $40,000, before the $12,500 fine for the Losman hit was reduced to $2,500.

Moving forward, it will be interesting to see if there is any kind of carryover this season with the Patriots Pro Bowl nose tackle.

Will officials watch him more closely based on reputation? Do players consider him “dirty” based on the one-season pile-up of events, and will any of what happened last year alter Wilfork’s game in 2008?

With regard to the latter, let’s just say the 6-foot-2, 325-pound Wilfork, who led the defense with seven tackles in Friday night’s 27-17 preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, isn’t about to budge.

If he’s a marked man, so be it.

“That was last year. If (the refs are looking out for me) that’s what they’re going to do. It’s not going to stop the way I play and prepare,” Wilfork said last week. “I’d never alter my game just because of something like that. That was in the past. I really don’t care about it. I’m going to do what I got to do to get myself ready for the season.”

Of the four infractions, Wilfork did admit to being “stupid” on the Jacobs incident. He won’t, however, apologize for playing with emotion, intensity and aggression. Still, he has tried to work out differences with the players he may have wronged.

“I think everything played itself out last year. People I’ve met, people I’ve talked with, they know me as a person. The thing I did worry about last year was my reputation,” Wilfork said. “But I think, at the end of the day, I was fine with it. I was fine with everything from a player’s standpoint. The guys I play against understand the level of play that I play at. It’s in the past.”

Former Patriots linebacker Steve Nelson did not believe there would be any repercussions for Wilfork this season based on what happened last season. For starters, it’s really hard for officials to go out of their way to keep an eye on what’s happening with a player in the trenches.

“Nose guards work in such close space,” Nelson said. “By the nature of his position, being in the trenches, I think you can get away with a lot of stuff down there because you’re in close combat with the opposition. So I don’t think there’s going to be any aftereffects from last year.

“Officials are pretty good. They don’t let reputations get involved in the process, or their decision-making. And I don’t think it’s going to affect the way he plays. He’s lined up a few inches from the ball. He’s got combination blocks on him. So he doesn’t have time to think about it.”

Besides, Wilfork’s reputation isn’t exactly one that’s been built up over time. Teammate Rodney Harrison [stats] has had the so-called “dirty” player label for quite a while and can’t shake it, even if more players have been fined for questionable hits of late.cw0

“You have the Conrad Doblers, the Jack Tatums . . . those reputations take years and years to build up,” Nelson said. “It’s not a one-game thing or one season. It’s years of questionable hits. So I think Vince is a totally different ballgame.”

(bostonherald.com)

FOXBORO - Thanks to the efforts of Vince Wilfork [stats], the players earned a rare night off following practice yesterday.

Every so often, Patriots [team stats] coach Bill Belichick will pose a challenge. If it’s met, there’s a reward at the end.

Yesterday, the challenge was for the 325-pound nose tackle to catch a punt, while having two footballs already tucked in his arms.

Wilfork, who returned punts in high school, came through, as he managed to coral the ball, and rolled to the ground in delight as his teammates swarmed him.

“Nothing tonight. Everyone can go home and sleep in their own bed,” a happy Tom Brady [stats] said. “Vince has been our go-to guy for the last few years. He had two balls in his hands, so he had to catch it.”

Brady said it had been a long time since Belichick had given them the night off on a practice day, but Wilfork delivered.

FOXBORO - Vince Wilfork [stats] felt like a new man at training camp last year after embarking on a diet that left him leaner and meaner.

The result was his first trip to Honolulu for what any objective observer would have to assume is the first of many Pro Bowls.

And when this offseason rolled around, Wilfork wasn’t content merely to repeat last year’s regimen. He wanted to top it.

So in addition to featuring a diet heavy on almonds, blueberries and lean meats like turkey, Wilfork added a couple of wrinkles after returning to his offseason home in Florida.

For one, he lifted weights, which he normally doesn’t do outside of Gillette Stadium. For another, he committed himself to 30 minutes a day of running of all types, expanding on his usual conditioning work.

“Distance, sprint work, conditioning, on sand, up hills, stairs,” Wilfork said. “You name it, I’ve done it. I put my body through hell just to come to camp in shape, to make sure I’m the way I need to be conditioning-wise.”

The fruits of Wilfork’s labor won’t be felt until September and beyond, but right now he once again looks like he’s ready to be a force in the middle of the Patriots [team stats]’ defense.

A freakish athlete at 6-foot-2, 325 pounds, Wilfork is one of the most unique players in the league, impossible to move at the point of attack and quite possibly the best 3-4 nose tackle in the game.

Football is a year-round commitment for Wilfork, which is why he continues to tweak his offseason workouts. He spoke yesterday, soaked in sweat after a grueling morning workout in mid-80s heat.

“My thing is, when you strap on this helmet, it’s time to go to work,” Wilfork said. “I never feel sorry for myself. You’ll never see me taking any days off. When I’m out on the field, you’re guaranteed to get 100 percent of me. That’s how I was raised, and I don’t care how long I’m in this game - it’s always going to be true.”

In the past, Wilfork’s month back home in Florida has been spent solely on conditioning. He gets all the lifting he needs during the team’s offseason conditioning program. This time around, he decided to add some strength work to his typical cardio routine, with the result being a player who could be even stronger and quicker this year.

“I’m a true believer in coming into camp in good shape,” Wilfork said. “Conditioning is the key. If you’ve got that, everything else that comes after is easy.”

As for his running workouts, Wilfork said he set aside 30 minutes every day for them, no matter what.

“I don’t care if I’m just jogging for cardio or doing sprint work or hills - it adds up to 30 minutes,” Wilfork said. “And trust me, those 30 minutes are work. Coming into camp, I can feel the difference in two-a-days, even in this heat. I can feel the difference in my conditioning.”

Wilfork joked he draws the line at running in the sand with a parachute or a weight dragging behind him, a la Randy Moss.

“I don’t need to be running with no parachutes,” he said with a laugh, “but pretty much anything else is fair game.”

Who knows what new wrinkles next year will bring?

“It’s been working for me, it’s been paying off for me,” Wilfork said. “I’m going to continue it. Every year I’m going to add to it more and more. I’m not turning back from it.”

(bostonherald.com)

Meanwhile, Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma reached out to freshmen Arthur Brown and Sean Spence, offering his cellphone number and mentoring (Panthers linebacker Jon Beason did, too). Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork reached out to Marcus Forston. Aldarius Johnson said he cultivated a friendship with Andre Johnson and has spoken with Reggie Wayne and Santana Moss.

UM alumni take losing so hard that Beason was ''in tears'' during games last year. Vilma said last winter that what troubled him in recent years is ``guys not improving year to year. You can't say it's all the talent.''

But after working out with Canes players at 7 a.m. this summer and watching several (such as Allen Bailey) improve this spring, Vilma -- like others -- is encouraged: ``You see everyone wanting to improve.''

(miamiherald.com)

22. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts: When Marvin Harrison was out last season, Wayne emerged as the team's go-to receiver. The guess here is that is that it stays that way. He's a true star now.

23. Ed Reed, S, Baltimore Ravens: He is the prototype modern safety: rangy and can still tackle. He is what safeties like Roy Williams wish they could be.

26. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans: Injuries limited him last season, but Johnson is one of the best when he's on the field. The Texans were a different team without him last season.

41. Vince Wilfork, DT, New England Patriots: He was the best front-seven player on the Pats defense last season. He's a load in the middle. Moving him off the ball is tough for any center.

44. Kellen Winslow, TE, Cleveland Browns: He has emerged as one of the rising stars for a rising team. His ability to stretch the defense is vital to the Cleveland offense.

50. Devin Hester, KR, Chicago Bears: I don't normally put return men on these lists, but this guy has earned it. It will be interesting to see how long he can maintain it.

(cbs.sportsline.com)

The word we’re hearing out Boston is that it’s only a matter of time before the Patriots begin negotiating a new contract with NT Vince Wilfork. Wilfork’s rookie deal extends through 2009, but the coaches’ belief that he’s the most important cog in their defensive scheme is reason enough for them to be particularly proactive in locking him up. However, a deal for Wilfork won’t be nearly as easy to come by as fellow DL Ty Warren’s was a season ago. For starters, Wilfork’s wife, Bianca, who handles his business endeavors, is known as a tough and shrewd negotiator, and won’t settle for anything less than a blockbuster offer. But the most significant complicating matter is the uncertainty surrounding the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement, which is putting a kink in numerous teams’ contract structuring. Still, it’s more a matter of “when” than “if” when it comes to Wilfork and the Patriots.

(pfw.com)

Patriots NT Vince Wilfork, the linchpin of the Patriots' 3-4 defense, ordinarily goes on easy street with his diet and workout regimen for a while after a season ends. Not this year. Wilfork is in the thick of his conditioning program and claims he's already lost 10 pounds since getting an early jump on things. "Conditioning is a huge area when playing this sport, especially for me, being able to stay on the field as long as I can," Wilfork said.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — - Bill Belichick celebrated his 56th birthday Wednesday engaging in the least favorite part of his job. He met the press.

Looking relaxed and in a good mood, the normally tight-lipped Patriots coach was even willing to answer questions about the upcoming draft, dishing out his usual dose of vanilla insight as a large birthday cake sat on a table in the back of the room.

"That's what I came for," joked Vince Wilfork, the Patriots' behemoth nose tackle.

The actual reason Wilfork was at Gillette Stadium was to discuss his annual draft day party to raise money and awareness for diabetes, an illness that claimed his father's life when Wilfork played in college at Miami.

The event is April 26 at Pinz Entertainment in Milford, Mass. There will be live and silent auctions for Patriots items (for tickets and information, go to pinzbowl.com).

This is the fifth year that Wilfork and his wife, Bianca, have hosted the fundraiser to support the Diabetes Research Institute. More than $150,000 has been raised.

"It's getting bigger and bigger. Every year it's better and better," said Wilfork, the Patriots' first-round pick in 2004. "I think last year we raised close to $50,000. I think we're almost close to that right now and the draft day isn't here yet.."

And every year Wilfork hears stories from different people who have been affected by diabetes. He can relate after watching what the disease did to his father.

"I saw my father suffer for 12 years," Wilfork said. "Every year, it went from losing eyesight to hearing to limbs to toes, to every month losing something. It was basically just seeing my father die slowly. That's what it came to. I was 9 or 10 years old and had to carry my father to the bathroom because he was so weak he couldn't walk."

Wilfork (6 feet 2, 325 pounds) said he is restricting what he eats for the second straight offseason. He credits his wife with helping him lead a healthier lifestyle.

"This year I started early on my diet," Wilfork said. "Normally I wait further down the line to start it." Wilfork said he has lost 10 pounds this offseason.

He would like to shed his reputation as a dirty player after being fined by the NFL four times in 2007, including one that cost Wilfork $15,000 for sticking a finger in the facemask of the Giants' Brandon Jacobs in the final game of the regular season.

Wilfork described himself as "a madman" on the field but insisted anyone who knows him would vouch that he doesn't use dirty tactics. "Hopefully this year," Wilfork said, knocking on the lectern, "no more fines.

(courant.com)

Following Bill Belichick’s press conference, Pro Bowl nose tackle Vince Wilfork took to the podium and touched on a number of topics.

First and foremost, he wanted to once again publicize his draft party fundraiser at Pinz Bowling in Milford. Wilfork lost his father David to diabetes and funding research is very important to him. For more information, visit his web site at vincewilfork75.com.

“One thing I can do is give back to the community,” he said. “I’ve seen the effects on my own household.”

A few other points:

* Wilfork is not even thinking about his contract, which runs through 2009. “I’ve still got two more years,” he said, later adding that, “this is where I want to finish my career.”

* He’s starting his diet a little earlier this year. Last year he embarked on the Abs Diet before training camp and felt it made him a little quicker without sacrificing strength. He was rewarded with his first Pro Bowl appearance. His goal this year is to bulk up a little while staying slimmer. He estimates he’s lost about 10 pounds thus far.

* He still can’t believe David Tyree caught that ball off his helmet in the Super Bowl. “I haven’t watched the Super Bowl yet,” he said. “I don’t plan on watching it either.”

* He hopes people don’t view him as a dirty player. He said he had a chance to talk to the three players he was fined for hitting (J.P. Losman, Brandon Jacobs, and Michael Turner) and that there were no hard feelings.

“Last year was a bad experience, getting fined,” Wilfork said. “At the same time, I have to take it and roll with it, because that’s who I am.”

(bostonherald.com)

New England Patriot defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and his wife Bianca will be hosting their 5th Annual Vince Wilfork Draft Day Fundraiser

Party at Pinz Entertainment in Milford. The event will the raise money to support the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami.

Fans will have the opportunity to meet Wilfork and several teammates as they wait to see which player the Patriots will select in the draft. Fans will also be able to participate in a live silent auction for premium Patriots items, with all proceeds benefiting the Diabetes Research Institute.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.pinzbowl.com. For more information e-mail fans@vincewilfork75.com.

This event will be the best event to see the players and watch the draft while contributing for a good cause!

(mvn.com)