Vince Wilfork: Playing in Florida would be 'a dream'

FT. LAUDERDALE - New England nose tackle Vince Wilfork has been the good soldier long enough. This offseason the two-time Pro Bowl selection either wants some financial security, or he wants to be set free by the Patriots.

Wilfork, who starred at Santaluces High School and the University of Miami, said he and his representatives have been badgering the Patriots for a contract extension the past two seasons, but the talks were never fruitful.

He knows the Patriots will likely place a franchise tag on him instead of offering the long-term contract he desperately seeks for family security. And if they do so Wilfork said he's prepared to play hardball.

Wilfork said he participates in the offseason programs without balking, never held a holdout, and at times played through pain last season. The 28-year-old warned that likely won't be the case in 2010 if he's hit with a franchise tag, which will pay him over $6 million in a one-year deal.

"We've been waiting for two years. Been trying to talk for two years. I did all the things I could do. Did all the right things to the point people questioned me why I did it. Why I was the good soldier. Why I playing through pain and risking my career for one year. But I loved the game of football," said Wilfork, who contributed 43 tackles and one forced fumbled during a 13 game season shortened by a knee injury. "I signed a six-year deal [as a rookie] when a lot of people weren't. I played it out. I did the right thing and it's time for me to move on. This is definitely not on me. We'll see where it goes from here."

Wilfork, who has started 80 games for the past six seasons, wasn't shy about admitting that playing in Florida – either for the Dolphins or Tampa Bay - would be "a dream come true." The Dolphins need to address the nose tackle position because of Jason Ferguson's age, season-ending quadriceps injury, and free agent status.

While Wilfork says he can see himself playing for the Patriots rival, he openly admits his first preference is to sign a long-term deal with New England.

"I love great weather. I love football. It doesn't matter where I play. I just want to have security for my family," he said. "I would love to stay in New England if I had the chance. I love New England because of my teammates, my family. My son, the friends and connections we've made up there, it's some great people up there. But if it doesn't work out I'll weigh my options I tell you that."

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(sun-sentinel.com)