Vince Wilfork believes he’ll be in Foxboro forever

Vince Wilfork sounds like a happy man. So what’s making the big guy smile?

For starters, Wilfork’s sixth annual draft day fundraiser party, which raises money for diabetes research in memory of his late father David, is five days away. He and his wife Bianca always have a good time meeting Patriots [team stats] fans.

And what else has Wilfork giddy?

The Pats nose tackle is convinced he will be staying in Foxboro, even though he is due to become a free agent when his contract expires after the season. Wilfork is pleased by recent communications, and even if it goes down to the wire, he believes he’ll be playing for the only team he wants to be with.

“I believe it’ll work out. I’m just going to let it run its course and play out,” Wilfork said yesterday from his Florida home. “I know they have the draft coming up. They have stuff to take care of. As long as we’re on the same page, I don’t care that we can’t do anything right now. I understand that. We’ve been in contact the last month or two. I’m very happy with where we’re at. They’re happy with where we’re at. Hopefully we’ll get something done, whenever that may be. I’m in no rush. I’m going to give them time to handle whatever they need to handle. When the time is right, that’s when it’s going to happen.

“I’m just looking forward to another great season. They know how I feel about it. They know I want to be a Patriot. I want to start my career as a Patriot, and finish as one. I’ve said it from Day One. I meant that sincerely. So I think it’ll work out. I think everything will work for the best.”

As far as what the deal might entail, Wilfork dispelled the notion he would seek a deal on par with the seven-year, $100 million free agent contract Albert Haynesworth signed with Washington.

“Albert is Albert. We are two different people. That’s how I stand on that situation,” Wilfork said. “I’m very happy with where I’m at. It’s one thing to get that type of money and play for a new organization you don’t know anything about, as opposed to playing for an organization you know everything about, where the fans love you, the organization loves you, and your teammates love you, and you’ve made friends where you’re at.”

“Albert Haynesworth has nothing to do with my contract whatsoever. Whatever I like is what I’m going to get, if it’s Albert Haynesworth or not. We’re two totally different people. The last thing I want to do is leave where I’m at, so I’m going to do everything in my willpower to stay. . . . Whenever it happens, it’s going to happen. I think I’m going to be happy.”

Wilfork also wouldn’t mind if rumors about the Pats acquiring Julius Peppers and Jason Taylor become reality.

“I’ll take (Peppers) or Taylor. Those two guys are unbelievable,” Wilfork said. “I’m willing to play with any of those guys. Let’s do it.”

Wilfork’s draft party is being held at Pinz Entertainment in Milford (1-6 p.m.). There will be live and silent auctions. Tickets can be purchased online at www.pinzbowl.com.

“Every year, it gets better and better. We raised over 100 grand last year,” Wilfork said. “My father was diabetic, and it’s one thing I do in his memory. This year, with the economy the way it is, you don’t know how it’s going to turn out, but being able to raise something helps.”

(bostonherald.com)