Listening to Vince Wilfork yesterday, it was hard to believe that he and the Patriots were advancing toward getting him back to practicing. The nimble nose tackle wouldn't say whether he planned to attend any of the team's remaining OTAs (today, tomorrow, and Tuesday) or next week's mandatory minicamp. It's not clear what Wilfork is looking for financially, although he dismissed any notion he wanted a contract similar to the megadeal the Redskins handed defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.



(cnnsi.com)

Nose tackle Vince Wilfork, who is entering the sixth and final year of the contract he signed before his rookie season, has been absent from the Patriots' recent organized team activities and appeared to be sending a pointed message about his frustration with his contract status.

During an event this afternoon at Yale Appliance in Dorchester to promote a charitable endeavor, Wilfork, who will carry a $2.2 million base salary this season, matter-of-factly addressed his status with the team. While he didn't supply much in the way of definitive answers, he did say he expects to play for the Patriots this season.

"Oh yeah, I'll be playing, of course," he said. "I'm going to play football, hopefully for the New England Patriots. Right now, [it's] for the New England Patriots. I'm playing football. That's 100 percent true. Unless something changes that's the way I see it -- I see Vince Wilfork putting on a Patriots uniform this season. So, we'll see."

When asked what should be read into his no-show at the voluntary OTAs, he replied, "My absence doesn't mean anything. I'm pretty sure the ball is going to roll with me or without me. That's the nature of the business, so the ball is going to continue to roll on.

"But one thing I can assure you all is that I will be playing this season as a New England Patriot, unless something changes," he continued. "I'm looking forward to the season. I'm getting better. Just because you don't see me I'm working. I'm getting better."

But Wilfork said he was unsure whether he would show up to any other team activities if he doesn't not have a new contract.

"We'll see. I don't know right now. I've never been in this situation before," he said. "I've never been out of football before. I don't know how this works. I don't know if I'm doing it the right way or the wrong way. I'm pretty sure I could ask a lot of guys in that locker room and all of them would give me different answers. So, I'm doing it the best way I can do it. That's what I'm going to do. My main thing is that Vince Wilfork is looking out for Vince Wilfork, point-blank. Whatever it may be. If it calls for me to miss something I'm going to miss it because I look towards the future. That's how I'm going to roll. Something may change in a couple of days, something might not change. I'll take it day by day. I'm looking out for my family and myself. That's the bottom line."

He said right now his absence is a day-to-day thing.

"I may pop up. I may not," he said. "I don't know. I'm staying positive with everything. As far as people that are wondering what's going on with me let me just assure you that I'll be ready to play football. I'm a professional and I look forward to playing football."

Wilfork said he was unsure if there have been any recent discussions between his agent and the Patriots.

"I'll let them handle that. I try to stay out of that," he said. "That's his line of work and I let him handle his business and we go forward from there. He may call me tomorrow with something different, who knows. Whatever it may be I'm a professional at the end of the day. I'm always going to be a professional. When it's time to play I'll be ready to play.

"I know where I want to be. They know where I want to be. I miss my teammates. I miss playing football, but who knows? It's going to take it's course. Let it take it's course. Let it do what it do. It's nothing much to ready into. It's nothing much to make a big deal about. That's all I can tell you is it's not a big deal right now."
Wilfork noted that the business side of football is something new to him, and while he's "not losing any sleep" over his situation, he's not enjoying himself, either.

"A lot of people see on Sundays us having fun playing football, but it's there is a business part to it also. This is the business part," he said. "I hate it. I hate not being with my family on the field, but at the same time it's a business decision. I have to look out for Vince Wilfork. That's the bottom line. That's what it comes down to."



(boston.com)

FOXBORO - Patriots [team stats] nose tackle Vince Wilfork [stats] is scheduled to appear at an event in support of his diabetes charity tomorrow. That would be the first time he’d be seen in a while.

That’s because Wilfork, who has one year remaining on his contract with the team, was absent once again from yesterday’s voluntary workout at Gillette Stadium. While Wilfork is not required to be in attendance, his desire for a contract extension is well known.

The first time the situation could become an issue is next Wednesday, when the team’s mandatory minicamp requires players to be present.

There were 13 players missing from this morning’s workout, which, like last Tuesday, was open to the media. Among them were linebacker Jerod Mayo, safety Brandon Meriweather, running back Sammy Morris and defensive lineman Jarvis Green.

Those present that weren’t there last Tuesday were linebacker Tedy Bruschi [stats] and offensive lineman Al Johnson. Bruschi’s mother passed away last week.

(bostonherald.com)

Although he's in the middle of a contract negotiation and hasn't been part of the Patriots OTAs, nose tackle Vince Wilfork took time to promote his efforts for his charity. Patriots Insider caught up with New England's man in the middle to find out more.

Vince Wilfork has been playing football since he was a kid. He has also been living with the aftereffects of losing one of his parents to the insidious disease, diabetes. Wilfork has been deeply moved by that experience and has vowed to wage a fight against the disease using all the resources available to him.

After losing his father - who was just 48 at the time -- to complications from diabetes Wilfork's efforts have been to raise awareness and donations to support the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) in Miami. He has also established the Vince Wilfork Foundation to further assist the DRI and has teamed up with the Joslin Diabetes Center (Affiliated with Harvard Medical School).

The most recent effort the Patriots' big man in the middle is supporting comes in the form of a raffle. The grand prize is an all expense paid BBQ cookout with Wilfork and his family, tickets to the Patriots home games, a new Weber grill, VIP passes to his Draft Day party next year and cash to pay the taxes due for the awards.

The raffle is an opportunity for fans to support Wilfork's favorite charitable cause while getting a chance to win a once in a lifetime experience with New England's nose tackle.

"This is a cause near and dear to me after loosing my dad to diabetes," Wilfork told Patriots Insider. "Anything I can do to help makes a difference for the cause."

Tickets for the raffle, which will be held on June 15th, are just $2 each with a minimum order of 5 tickets. They can be purchased at www.netraffle.org

Wilfork understands that the economy has had an impact on charities. In a statement on his website, he admitted that the economy can he hard on everyone, especially those affected by the disease.

"I know that times are hard right now and that is the case for everyone but for me as a person who does not have diabetes I can only imagine what times are like for someone who does."

Still, he's determined to do something to help. Wanting to convey that fighting diabetes wasn't just a personal crusade, Wilfork told Patriots Insider it's important to everyone to contribute to the cause.

"Everyone knows someone effected with diabetes," Wilfork said "If we don't come together we will not stop other kids from loosing their parents like I lost dad."

More information on the raffle can be found at Wifork's website (www.vincewilfork75.com) and www.Netraffle.org

(nwescout.com)

Is nose tackle Vince Wilfork set to make a statement about his displeasure over stagnant contract negotiations? Wilfork, who sent out three "tweets" on his Twitter account yesterday at the same time the Patriots were practicing at Gillette Stadium, has been frustrated at the lack of progress on contract talks. The sides haven't negotiated this offseason.

The Boston Globe confirms that Vince Wilfork was not at the Patriots' OTA practice on Thursday.
Wilfork is upset with his contract, although this is voluntary work. Still, the Patriots seem unlikely to appease Wilfork if he's looking for Jared Allen or Albert Haynesworth money. They did draft some protection in Ron Brace.

(cnnsi.com)

3. Vince Wilfork, Patriots. Wilfork is a big, physical nose tackle who excels at holding his ground against multiple blockers. He also has the first-step quickness to collapse the pocket from the interior. That versatility makes him the key to New England's defense.

See the rest of the rankings here.

(sportingnews.com)

Hi Mike, I am very concerned about the lack of progress on an extension for Wilfork. I like Ron Brace as a player. However, until you have proven yourself against NFL caliber centers and guards, you remain a huge unknown. What have you heard as to the reasons for a lack of progress? Is it entirely related to the collective bargaining agreement or the demands of Wilfork's agent?
A: John, my feeling is that these things generally don't happen at the snap of the fingers. It takes some time. I think the Patriots wanted to focus on free agency and the draft, so it makes sense that the sides didn't negotiate over the last few months. Now, with the NFL calendar opening up, I think there is time to get the talks going. And if the talks haven't started or made progress by the time training camp starts, then I might be looking at things differently. But I don't think it will get to that point. I'd be surprised to learn that both sides don't agree Wilfork has outperformed his contract, so to me, it's just a matter of the sides carving out the time to talk and reaching an acceptable middle ground. I don't think we're at the point where Wilfork's demands are excessive and talks have broken off. Or to the point where the Patriots are saying the collective bargaining agreement is an issue, so they don't want to do an extension. Maybe I'm misreading it, but that's my view of the situation.

How certain are you that Wilfork is a top priority of the Pats? I only ask because it seems like an extension with him would not have been that hard, and it might get more expensive the longer they wait. Am I wrong about this?

A: Andrew, I don't know for sure. I'd be surprised if it wasn't a top priority. My assumption is that during the 2008 season, with two years remaining on his contract, Wilfork was offered something similar to what Ty Warren previously signed with two years left on his deal. I'll also assume that it wasn't the type of deal Wilfork was looking for. As is the case with most negotiations, the leverage often shifts as the process plays out. Had Wilfork signed a presumed deal last year, he would have done so with little leverage -- two years left on his contract, nowhere to go. This year, after he incurred the risk to make it through another season healthy and did so, the leverage shifts a bit more to his side. He has just one year left on his contract, and can demand a bit more. I don't think this is anything contentious or anything like that. It's just business. The one thing that I would say, and this is just my opinion, I think it's going to be hard for Wilfork to show up to training camp if the sides aren't actively working toward a deal. I did the research last week and only three first-round draft choices from 2004 are still playing under their original rookie deals -- Wilfork, Benjamin Watson, and Philip Rivers. A total of 18 first-rounders were either extended, traded and extended, or became free agents and signed new deals. That is one indication to me that a player of Wilfork's quality has outperformed his contract.

Do you really think the Pats intend to extend Wilfork? It may be in the Patriots' best interest to let Wilfork depart via free agency next year. They have Ron Brace (the only true nose tackle in the draft, according to some) to replace him at a fraction of the cost; Wilfork's departure would allow the Pats to sign some other free agents (if next year is uncapped, a playoff team must lose a free agent before it can sign one); and the loss of Wilfork will almost certainly bring a third-round compensatory pick the following year. In addition, if next year is uncapped, the Pats will be able to use two franchise tags -- so they could keep Wilfork that way if they really need to. As a fan, I would love to see Wilfork return, but trying to be objective, I think it comes down to whether or not the Pats think Brace can get the job done. Walter, Shrewsbury

A: Walter, I do believe the Patriots would like to extend Wilfork. The question is how much they feel comfortable extending their budget/salary cap to do so, and how much Wilfork is looking for in an extension. I see all negotiations as a two-way street. They'll have to meet in the middle. The presence of Brace might allow the Patriots to hold a bit of a harder line, but there is still some risk in projecting Brace as a replacement. Wilfork has proven he can do it. Brace has not.

(boston.com)

The update on a contract extension for Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork looks like this: No update.

The sides have yet to reopen talks.

The Patriots presumably wanted to devote their attention to free agency and the draft, and now that those have passed and the pace of the offseason has slowed, there is an opening to address other pressing business matters.
Wilfork, who enters the final year of his contract, is one of their top priorities.

When factoring in his strong performance as an anchor in the team's 3-4 defense, and the contract situations of other 2004 first-round picks, Wilfork brings a convincing case to the negotiating table.

(boston.com)

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)

CORAL GABLES — For the first time in 14 years, the University of Miami will not have anyone selected in the first round of this weekend's NFL Draft.

No Hurricane will go in the second or third round, either ... or, maybe, at all.

"I would say, yeah, Miami is off the map right now," said Mike Mayock, an NFL Network draft analyst.

That's a crash of Wall Street-sized proportions for UM, which has owned the NFL Draft this decade. Since 1999, the Hurricanes have produced 27 first-round selections, which is more No. 1s than most Division I-A schools have generated in their history.

In second place? Ohio State, with 17 first-rounders in the past 10 years.

Miami's NFL-record run of developing a first-round selection reached 14 years last April, when the New York Giants took Kenny Phillips with the final pick of the opening round.

The streak began in 1995 after Tampa Bay chose Warren Sapp with the 12th overall pick and was capped in 2004 when six Hurricanes - another NFL Draft record - were plucked in the first round.

But as Miami's football fortunes have sagged, so has its reputation with NFL talent scouts.

In 2006, nine UM players were drafted. That number fell to five in 2007 and three last April. The only Hurricane with a realistic chance of being drafted this weekend is cornerback Bruce Johnson, who could go anywhere from the fifth to seventh round.

But Johnson's stock has fallen since he ran a slow 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in February, raising the specter that Miami might not have a player drafted for the first time since 1974.

UM's talent drain was apparent during the school's Pro Day on Feb. 27, when just 10 NFL teams and approximately 25 scouts showed up on campus to test the Hurricanes' draft-eligible players.

That was the same number of NFL clubs that were at FAU's Pro Day the following week, according to NFL.com's Gil Brandt.

The highest-ranking official to attend UM's workout was Chris Mara, the Giants' vice president of player evaluation. Compare that to the dozens of head coaches, general managers and other NFL royalty that used to regularly show up.

"Up to around three years ago, Miami would get 105 to 115 people at Pro Day," said Brandt, the Dallas Cowboys' chief talent scout from 1960 to 1988. "Miami was the place to be."

Miami isn't the only football factory to see its production line of top NFL talent - and on-field success - wane recently.
Notre Dame, whose 61 first-round picks are second all-time to USC's 66, has produced just two No. 1s this decade. Nebraska, sixth all-time with 328 NFL draft choices, also has two first-rounders since 2000 and did not have a player taken until the fifth round (142nd overall) last year. Michigan, just ahead of Nebraska with 330 draftees, will likely have only one player picked this weekend.

All four schools have suffered from similar maladies that include coaching changes, poor recruiting and the increasing parity in college football.

Non-BCS schools like BYU (20), Utah (19), Fresno State (17) and Hawaii (17) have churned out more NFL picks since 2000 then many of its major conference counterparts.

In last year's draft, smaller fries like Troy, Delaware, Boise State and Tennessee State produced first-rounders while old-school powers including Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas and Penn State did not.

But most draft experts say the premier players are still playing for the premier programs, and the numbers prove their point. Since 2000, no school outside the six BCS conferences has developed more than two No. 1 picks.

"The elite programs are getting the top talent," ESPN's Mel Kiper said. "It is spread out to a certain extent, but (USC coach) Pete Carroll is still getting his first-round picks every year."

The real debate might be whether any school - big or small - will ever come close to matching Miami's run of a first rounder for 14 consecutive years.

It's not going to be easy. LSU's current string of five straight No. 1 picks is second to the Hurricanes. Florida (1983-91) is believed to have the second-longest all-time streak at nine years.

"I think that record is going to be safe for a while," Brandt said. "Look at teams like Texas, USC, Oklahoma - teams that recruit pretty good - and they haven't come close to that record."

Butch Davis, who recruited 22 first rounders during his six-year tenure as UM's coach, thinks Miami's mark is attainable, but wonders if any school can ever match the 19 No. 1 picks generated by the Hurricanes from 2001-04. That's more top selections than North Carolina, where Davis now coaches, has cultivated in its history.

"Can you get three or four guys in the first round?" Davis said. "That may be extraordinarily difficult. But to have one guy, it's conceivable that a school could get on a run with the right coaching staff and evaluations."

Draft experts say the most likely candidate to dethrone Miami is USC.

But that's going to take a while. The Trojans' "streak" is at one.

(palmbeachpost.com)

Speaking in two forums yesterday, Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork hosted a live on-line chat on Comcast's website and also appeared as a guest on Mohegan Sun's Sports Tonight with Gary Tanguay and Michael Felger.

Discussing a range of topics from the proposed 18-game regular season, the status of Tom Brady's knee and the loss of Mike Vrabel, to the ever-present concern regarding his contract, Wilfork is content to stay positive and let things happen without getting too worked up about what he can't control.

What could possibly be out of this big man's control?  The proposed 18-game regular season and the "Tom Brady" rule, clarifying how a quarterback can be hit, are two issues Wilfork personally doesn't agree with, but knows will be addressed and dealt with as a team sooner or later.

From a defensive standpoint it's something crazy because here you are you got a free shot at the quarterback or anybody with the ball, and the first thing on your mind is you're going to make this tackle, you're going to knock this guy out.  But you can't think like that anymore.  It's about, okay, where can I hit him so that it's legal.  That's the first thing you're thinking about.  That changes you're whole mindset because with me being fined throughout my career, now it changes my whole mindset how I can attack.

Wilfork also weighs in on catching up with Patriots QB Tom Brady in Foxboro, "Tom looked like Tom to me.  He's a warrior," and talks about how the loss of Mike Vrabel will be felt throughout the whole locker room and on the field.  As far as the potential additions of Julius Peppers or Jason Taylor, Wilfork is all for it and would love to play with either of them.

Looking relaxed throughout his guest appearance, Wilfork wasn't even the least bit bothered by the questions regarding his contract.  He said it bothered him at first, but now knows the organization is indeed interested in him and he is content to let it all play out.  He's not hesitant about declaring that he wants to remain a New England Patriot from beginning to end and doesn't think he could go anywhere else and get the same love from his teammates or the fans.

That's good to hear, Vince.  Hope you're feeling the love for many years to come.

(patspupit.com)

Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork, who is a regular guest on Comcast Sportsnet New England, held an online chat on the station's Web site Tuesday and also was an in-studio guest.

Wilfork's chat can be recapped here -- he was asked early about his contract and chatted briefly about letting the contract "play its course"-- and his studio appearance with Gary Tanguay and Michael Felger can be seen here.

In his online chat, Wilfork called Nick Mangold (Jets) the toughest center he faces. At the Super Bowl, Mangold had similar comments about Wilfork.

Tuesday's appearance helped Wilfork promote his annual NFL Draft fundraiser, which raises money for a cause close to him -- diabetes research.

(theganggreen.com)

ESPN's John Clayton reports that the Patriots will make extending NT Vince Wilfork a priority with their new found salary cap space.

New England cleared up $14.651 million by trading Matt Cassel to the Chiefs. Wilfork, entering a contract season, is only 27 and is quietly the most important piece of the Patriots' 3-4. He may target a deal like Jared Allen's.

(rotoworld.com)

JUPITER, Fla. - The Patriots [team stats] and Vince Wilfork [stats] have restarted discussions on a contract extension that the nose tackle hopes makes him “a Patriot for a long time.”

Speaking between innings at a charity softball game for the Heath Evans [stats] Foundation last night, Wilfork said his mood has brightened considerably in the last couple of weeks with the opening of talks he characterized as “extremely positive.”

“We’ve been communicating back and forth,” he said. “That’s the only thing I wanted. I don’t care if nothing moves. I just wanted to communicate, let them know that, ‘Hey, this is what we’re thinking and this is what they’re thinking.’ All of that has been positive.”

Wilfork didn’t say if the sides had exchanged specific contract proposals, but that was almost besides the point.

What mattered is they’re talking.

“Everything’s moving in the right direction,” Wilfork said. “There’s been a lot of communication between us and them. We’re both on the same level. Before we weren’t, but now we are. I believe it will continue, and if it does, I will be a New England Patriot for a long time. I truly believe that. Deep down in my heart, I believe that.”

Wilfork has one year remaining on the six-year, $9 million rookie deal he signed after being selected in the first round of the 2004 draft.

The Pro Bowler has since emerged as one of the best nose tackles in the game and perhaps the most indispensable member of the Patriots defense.

He was trying not to feel discouraged earlier this month when the one-year anniversary of his last contract discussions with the team came and went. But a fresh round of talks kicked off in the last 10 days, and Wilfork now believes the sides will eventually reach an agreement.

Wilfork wouldn’t disclose who initiated contact talks - “It was mutual,” he said. “One hand washes the other.” - but his frame of mind clearly has improved significantly as a result.

He’s intrigued by a market that saw defensive lineman Julius Peppers franchised by the Panthers for $16.683 million.

Although conventional wisdom has held that salaries will tighten amid a struggling economy - one need look no further than baseball for proof - some of the deals already struck suggest Wilfork will be compensated in line with other top-flight players.

“The economy is bad for everyone, don’t get me wrong, but this is big business,” Wilfork said.

“You have to do what you have to do. I think we’ve seen over the last couple of weeks that teams are still making moves, even though the economy is the way it is. I look forward to the future. I can’t complain about anything.”

Wilfork said that even if no deal is reached this offseason, he’ll happily play out his final year with the belief that something can be done before he reaches free agency.

“I know how they feel about me, and they know how I feel about them,” Wilfork said.

“I’ve said from Day 1 that I wanted to enter the NFL as a New England Patriot and leave the NFL as a New England Patriot. I’m sticking to my word and I don’t think that will change. I’m very happy, very positive and looking forward to the future.”

(bostonherald.com)

NFL stars Randy Moss and Devin Hester, and Dolphins players Anthony Fasano and Jake Long are among NFL players who will play in a charity softball game against the Palm Beach County Sheriff's SWAT on Friday at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Heath Evans Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and families affected by sexual abuse.

Evans, the New England Patriots fullback who graduated from King's Academy, said he also received commitments from several of his Patriots teammates, including Vince Wilfork and Jabar Gaffney.

The game is at 7 p.m. and tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, available through Ticketmaster.

(sun-sentinel.com)

The unexpected rise of Matt Cassel and the Patriots' need to place the franchise tag on him may be having unintended consequences for the team's plans for the future and for prospective 2010 free agents seeking new deals such as Vince Wilfork.

Wilfork, one of the top nose tackles in the game and a pivotal piece of the Patriots' 3-4 defense, is entering the final year of the six-year deal he signed as a rookie in 2004, when the Patriots took him with the 21st overall pick. That deal averages $1.5 million per season.

He is due for a hefty raise, considering that 3-4 nose tackles Casey Hampton of the Steelers and Kris Jenkins of the Jets both made more than $5 million last season.

But whether it's because of the Patriots being consumed by the Cassel situation, or coach Bill Belichick dealing with turnover in the front office and coaching staff, or just a simple lack of interest in doing a deal, the team has not contacted Wilfork about an extension.

"Last year at this same time - that was the last time I heard from them," said Wilfork yesterday from Florida.

The 27-year-old Wilfork, who made the Pro Bowl in 2007 and this past season, wasn't making like Ty Law and accusing his coach of dishonesty or bemoaning an inability to feed his family.

He merely was being blunt about the lack of progress on a new contract that in an offseason without the Cassel saga probably would rank as one of the team's top priorities.

"The ball is not in my court right now," said Wilfork, who will carry an $800,000 base salary and a $1.44 million cap charge in 2009. "Nothing has happened. No progress has been made.

"I thought maybe there would be some sort of move forward, but everything is at a standstill. I'm sure they'll do whatever they have to do. I have that last year, and I'm preparing to play and play well. It's not going to change me. But they know the longer it takes the more it costs."

With $14.65 million dedicated to Cassel via his franchise tender and nearly a quarter of the $123 million salary cap ($29.27 million) currently devoted to two quarterbacks (Cassel and Tom Brady), the Patriots are not in an ideal position to negotiate with any of the 22 players who will be free agents after the 2009 season.

That is a group that includes Wilfork, guards Logan Mankins and Stephen Neal, defensive ends Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green, tight ends Benjamin Watson and David Thomas, linebackers Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel, running back Kevin Faulk, placekicker Stephen Gostkowski, and cornerback Ellis Hobbs.

Take the quarterbacks' combined cap hit and throw in wide receiver Randy Moss's $10.5 million charge, Seymour's $9.79 million, and the $6.4 million that linebacker Adalius Thomas is slated to count and you potentially have nearly $56 million - or 45 percent of the cap - tied up in just five players.

Although none of the team's current free agents - a group headlined by safety James Sanders and wide receiver Jabar Gaffney - figures to break the bank, it might take a trade of Cassel or Brady to free up the money to do new deals with the would-be free agents.

"I hope whatever they have going on gets cleared up sooner rather than later," Wilfork said. "I'm looking forward to a new deal, and I'm looking forward to the 2009 season. We have unfinished business as a team, and myself, I have unfinished business as an individual.

"But you know me, I'm going to play hard regardless of the situation. One thing they don't have to worry about is me preparing hard, working hard and playing my tail off, with or without a contract."

Wilfork also made it clear that he didn't begrudge Cassel for cashing in while he could.

"I'm happy for Cass," said Wilfork. "He proved a lot of critics wrong. He raised expectations throughout the year, and he deserved everything he got. I don't look at him no different. He's one of my teammates, and I'm happy for him.

"I'm very happy for a guy like that, a guy that a lot of people wrote off in the preseason. He put up numbers that a lot of the so-called 'good quarterbacks' didn't. It was a steppingstone season for him. He deserved everything he got."

Now the question is, when will Wilfork get what he deserves, and will it be from the Patriots? Or will he be the next Asante Samuel and end up in a contentious stalemate with the team and eventually play somewhere else?

For now, Wilfork will sit tight and prepare to play out the final year of his contract.

"I'm going to have to be cool with playing out the year," he said. "It seems [a new contract] hasn't happened yet. I see a lot of guys getting deals in my position. There are guys in my draft class in the last year or two who got a deal. If I don't, I'll play out the contract and see what happens."

(boston.com)

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)

FOXBORO - Vince Wilfork [stats] recognized the path he was inexorably beating. It led to the cemetery.

He saw firsthand the dire consequences of ignoring the warning signs of diabetes and high blood pressure. The former killed his father, David, in 2002, while the latter helped claim his mother, Barbara, months later.

His parents worked their whole lives to provide for Vince and his brother, but they did so at the expense of their own well-being. Wilfork watched his father shrivel from a powerful man of 280 pounds to one who needed to be carried to the bathroom. When he lost his mother, he was devastated.

Nose tackle Vince Wilfork seems to be relishing his role with top draft picks Brandon Meriweather and Kareem Brown, both of whom he played with at the University of Miami. "I'm basically like the big brother and the dad to them," said Wilfork. "I definitely have to look out for them. There is going to be a time I have to turn them loose, but for now they're under my wing."

(boston.com)

FOXBORO - Big brother already has given the boys a lecture. He’s already offered up a quick course in Patriots [team stats] 101. And you better believe when Vince Wilfork [stats] talked, Brandon Meriweather and Kareem Brown listened.

Given the three share a bond in coming from the University of Miami, it was natural for Meriweather and Brown to seek advice from a fellow Hurricane. And, given Wilfork’s nature, he wasn’t shy about delivering nothing but the facts. He wasn’t going to tip-toe around the basics, or the truth.

“Both the guys I gave the same speech. So, they understand what we expect out of them. They understand what I expect out of them,” Wilfork said Saturday night before participating in Kevin Faulk [stats]’s charity softball game. “They know what I’m talking about. Get ready to win ball games.

FOXBORO— The Patriots have one of the league’s best starting defensive lines, and fourth-round draft pick Kareem Brown is here to learn from the Richard Seymour-Vince Wilfork-Ty Warren trio while also solidifying a spot for himself on the New England roster.

“The Patriots wouldn’t have drafted me if they didn’t see something in me,” Brown said yesterday on the first day of rookie minicamp at Gillette Stadium. “I’m here to do a job. I’m going to learn from Seymour and Warren and Vince, and I’m going to take everything I can from them.”

Brown, the University of Miami’s 2006 Defensive Player of the Year, already has spent a lot of time talking to fellow former Hurricane Wilfork.

Plenty of athletes do charity work, but few support a cause that hits as close to home as diabetes does for Vince Wilfork [stats].

Wilfork lost his father David to the disease in 2002 after watching it ravage his body for 15 years. The Patriots [team stats] nose tackle has since devoted his charitable efforts to finding a cure, and tomorrow will host his biggest fund-raiser of the year, a draft party at Pinz bowling alley in Milford, with proceeds benefiting the Diabetes Research Institute.

“My father suffered the last 15 years of his life with diabetes,” Wilfork said. “Growing up, having to see my father give himself insulin, on dialysis, catheters everywhere - the one thing I can do is give back.”

A reminder that Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork is hosting his fourth annual draft party for diabetes research on Saturday, April 28 from noon to 6 at Pinz in Milford. Wilfork will be on hand all day — along with Greg Dickerson and Gary Tanguay of FoxSports — to sign autographs, analyze the draft, and mingle with guests. There will be free food, a cash bar, a Madden Playstation tournament, and a bowling tournament. Tickets are $40 for adult and $20 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be ordered by calling (617) 268-0001, e-mailing draftdaytix@sportsidentity.com, or by visiting Wilfork’s web site, vincewilfork75.com.

For those who can’t attend, Wilfork is still accepting donations for the Diabetes Research Institute. The cause means a lot to him, because he lost his father David to the disease in 2002 at age 48.

“Every donation helps,” Wilfork said. “There are so many people in the world suffering from diabetes. If there is a chance I can prevent someone from going through what I saw my father go through, I want to help.”

(bostonherald.com)

MILFORD -- Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork stopped by Pinz in Milford, Mass., earlier this week, promoting his fourth-annual NFL Draft party with his wife Bianca. The party is scheduled for Saturday, April 28 at Pinz, with proceeds to benefit diabetes research. More information can be found at Wilfork’s website.

Five questions with Wilfork:

What do you have in store for this year’s draft party?“This is our fourth annual draft-day party and every year it’s getting better and better. We’re excited to have it here, which we think is a great spot so a lot of people don’t have to drive to Boston or Rhode Island. I’m not sure who it will be, because it is an off period for us, but some other players will be here. I know growing up as a kid, I always wished I could meet NFL players, so I think that’s a good part of it, because we’ll be here having a good time. In the end, I'm just the football player. [Bianca] is the brains behind this.”

Nose tackle Vince Wilfork was awarded the wrestling championship belt by his fellow linemen for his performance against the Jets. Wilfork actually had two belts hanging in his locker yesterday, as the linemen continue to honor the player who plays the best each game.

(boston.com)

FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) - If Vince Wilfork is going to be the star of the New England Patriots' next playoff game, it will be by stopping the run, not making it.

The Patriots nose tackle lumbered 31 yards on a fumble return that helped New England put the New York Jets away in the first round of the playoffs. In Round 2, though, Wilfork will be back to work clogging up the middle of the field as the Patriots try to stop the San Diego Chargers and NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson.

"He's the MVP. I don't know how you could be any more complete than that," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Monday. "He's looked pretty good to me, unfortunately, every time we've seen him. We're usually looking at the back of his jersey. We haven't done very well against him. He's killed a lot of people besides us, and he's killed us."

When former University of Miami defensive lineman Vince Wilfork picked up that loose ball at the 46-yard line he looked up toward the horizon.

'I saw the end zone and said, `Man that's a long way away,' '' the 325-pounder said Sunday.

Wilfork managed to rumble for 31 yards before being caught from behind by New York receiver Jerricho Cotchery.

''Man, I thought I was really moving,'' said Wilfork, who initially hesitated before taking off down the field. ``If I had started running right away I might have got there. I'm going to get a lot of heat from [teammates] for getting caught from behind. But it was one of their fast little guys that caught me.''
Wilfork vows he will use this as a learning experience.

''I'll study the tape and look to see what I did wrong,'' Wilfork said. ``I'll study myself and try to improve my running style.''

(herald.com)

FOXBORO - The ball was just sitting there, like the last baked potato at a crowded dinner table, and Vince Wilfork [stats] did what any 325-pound man would have done. He wrapped his hands around the prize.

And he ran like hell.

So it was yesterday at Gillette Stadium, where the net result was this: The nose tackle for the Patriots [team stats] finished with roughly half as many yards on the ground as all of the New York Jets [team stats]. The totals were 31 for Wilfork, 70 for New York, and that was a very big reason the final score in the season’s last game at The Razor told a very happy tale:

FOXBORO — Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, who missed the final three games of the regular season because of an injured right ankle, spoke yesterday for the first time since getting hurt on Dec. 10 against the Miami Dolphins.

"You guys will be surprised just like I'll be surprised," Wilfork said in coy fashion in response to a question about his playing status for tomorrow.

"I can't tell you. It ain't me. It's all on the head man. You have to talk to him about it for a player, now. I have no idea. I can only do what I can do. I'm doing the little things but not as much as I need to do to be playing."

FOXBORO - Nose tackle Vince Wilfork [stats] is expected to play tomorrow when the Patriots [team stats] visit Tennessee for their regular-season finale.

Wilfork’s travel bag was packed and he practiced for the third straight day. The Pro Bowl-caliber tackle has missed the last two games after spraining his right ankle against the Dolphins.

Though it’s unlikely Wilfork will see his usual number of snaps in the middle of the team’s 3-4 defense, just getting him back on the field will provide a boost, as well as ensure that he doesn’t open the playoffs next weekend rusty after having not played in a month.

Second-year pro Mike Wright has played well in Wilfork’s absence and was particularly effective against the Jaguars last Sunday. Save for a 74-yard touchdown run by Maurice Jones-Drew on a broken play, the Jags barely averaged 3 yards a carry.

Still, the Pats are clearly better off with Wilfork in the lineup and Wright working in a support role. That should once again be the case tomorrow.

(bostonherald.com)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- If the Patriots are going to slow down the Jacksonville Jaguars' second-rated rushing attack (163.1 yards per game), they're going to have to do it without Vince Wilfork.

The nose tackle, who is nursing a right ankle injury, has been downgraded to out for today's game against the Jaguars, along with tight end Benjamin Watson and right tackle Ryan O'Callaghan.

Wilfork and Watson (left knee) were both injured during the Patriots' 21-0 loss to the Miami Dolphins Dec. 10 and will miss their second straight game. O'Callaghan (neck ) will be inactive for the fourth straight game.

(boston.com)

Each issue, Hot Shots asks a professional athlete for their favorite high school memory. This issue: Patriots [team stats] defensive lineman Vince Wilfork [stats].

Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork was more than a football player in high school. He also broke the Florida state record in the shot put -- throwing 68 feet -- in his time at Santaluces High. But it was clear his future was on the gridiron, and that’s where his scholarship came from, courtesy of the University of Miami.

Wilfork displayed impressive athleticism on the football field, leading the Santaluces coaches to play him not only on the defensive

FOXBORO - The Patriots are preparing to face Houston this weekend without standout nose tackle Vince Wilfork, who sprained his ankle Sunday in Miami.

Wilfork is listed as questionable on the injury report but, according to a source, he is unlikely to play as a precautionary measure.

If Wilfork can't go, he'll be replaced by second-year pro Mike Wright, an undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati who has worked his way into the defensive line rotation.

"Vince is Vince. There's only one," defensive end Ty Warren said yesterday. "But Mike, he's been around here two years. We expect and the coaches expect and I'm sure he expects himself to go out there and help the best way he can."

FOXBORO - The Patriots [team stats] are preparing to face Houston this weekend without standout nose tackle Vince Wilfork [stats], who sprained his ankle Sunday in Miami.

Wilfork is listed as questionable on the injury report but, according to a source, he is unlikely to play as a precautionary measure.

If Wilfork can’t go, he’ll be replaced by second-year pro Mike Wright, an undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati who has worked his way into the defensive line rotation.

At the heart of the Patriots defense, which ranks third in the NFL at stopping the run, is its defensive line. The anchor of the Patriots defensive line - and at 325 pounds, he’s a fitting one – is nose tackle Vince Wilfork. He’s appeared in every game the Patriots have played since entering the league in 2004.

Like most nose tackles in the NFL, his numbers on paper aren’t dramatically impressive. He’s recorded four quarterback hurries, a pass defensed and a sack this season.

What matters to the team is what Wilfork does for everyone else.

Take the way fellow defensive lineman Ty Warren described his most recent sack, which happened three defensive plays into Sunday’s game, as an example.

FOXBORO - As far as playoff seeding goes, the Patriots’ 21-0 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday was mighty costly. The Pats can only hope that’s the only way they’ll be paying for it.

Both tight end Benjamin Watson and nose tackle Vince Wilfork went down in the third quarter with leg injuries, and neither returned.

Neither was in the locker room yesterday.

“It’s the Monday after the game,” Pats coach Bill Belichick yesterday said. “Everybody’s sore, everybody’s getting treatment. We’ll see where we are on Wednesday. The crystal ball’s a little cloudy today.”

FOXBORO - Fans look at Vince Wilfork and see a fat guy.

NFL types look at Vince Wilfork and see Terrell Owens.

Sounds crazy, but it’s not. In a league full of freakish athletes, Wilfork may be the most unique of all. He’s built like Ted Washington, moves like Warren Sapp and reads offenses like Tedy Bruschi.

He’s literally and figuratively in the middle of everything the Patriots do defensively, ranking seventh with 46 tackles despite working as a glorified offensive lineman for linebackers Bruschi and Mike Vrabel. Head coach Bill Belichick could not design a more ideal 3-4 nose tackle in Dr. Frankenstein’s lab.

DOWN AND DIRTY: Right tackle Fred Miller is hopeful the league will review the hit he took from Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork following Rex Grossman's second interception. Miller was well away from the play and was not involved when Wilfork blindsided him. In meetings with officials this summer, they emphasized such hits would be deemed illegal in hoping to avoid the kind of gruesome hip injury suffered by Green Bay's Chad Clifton when Tampa Bay's Warren Sapp clobbered him on a change-of-possession play away from the ball several years ago.

''It was a [cheap] shot,'' said Miller, who injured his right knee on the play.

''I thought he was totally behind me [making it illegal] as well, and the ref was standing right there. What can you do?''

(suntimes.com)

FOXBOROUGH -- Nose tackle Vince Wilfork said there is one statistic he uses to gauge his performance: rushing yards allowed.

Forget about his tackles (20) and sacks (1). Wilfork, in his third season, takes the most pride in helping shut down running backs.

``Not allowing a 100-yard rusher, that's a pretty good stat I can live with," he said.

In his two seasons as a starting nose tackle with the New England Patriots, Vince Wilfork has known nothing but success.

The 24-year-old from Miami started as a rookie on the Super Bowl XXXIX title team and last season led all Patriots defensive linemen in tackles and was second on the team overall. With such a positive career path, you'd think Wilfork could rest on his laurels a bit and be happy.

FOXBORO - Vince Wilfork describes himself as a "hands-on guy," which is a much more beneficial approach for a chiropractor than a nose tackle.

Wilfork's aggressiveness actually limited his production during the first half of the 2005 season. He lined up too close to the ball at the line of scrimmage, therefore he couldn't properly read plays before the snap.
An intervention by Patriots head coach Bill Belichick in October helped Wilfork correct his mistakes. After the 6-foot-2 nose tackle modified his technique, the Patriots rose from 25th in run defense to seventh by the end of the season and won six of their final eight games to clinch their third consecutive division title.

"I was too aggressive," Wilfork said Wednesday. "My mindset was totally different from the last part of the season. I went into the season saying, 'I want to be dominant. I want to just push people over.' I definitely had the capability of doing it, but they didn't allow me to. A lot of centers snatched me down or jumped out of my way, so they used my strategy against me.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- You won't hear Vince Wilfork's name mentioned often in talk about the Patriots top defensive players.
But the third-year nose tackle has emerged as a consistent performer.
Wilfork started just six games as a rookie in 2004 after being drafted with the 21st pick out of Miami.

FOXBOROUGH -- In the Patriots' defense, coach Bill Belichick admits, nose tackle is especially difficult. To the man who plays that position, it's more than that.

``To be honest with you," Vince Wilfork said before practice Wednesday, ``it all surrounds the nose tackle."

Humility, it seems, is not part of Wilfork's demeanor, but if his job is as tough as he says it is, perhaps there is just no room for it.

``The defense doesn't work without a nose," he said. ``So you have to be on your toes. You have to know what you're doing out there. You have to be smart. You have to be tough. Because sometimes you're taking on two or three blockers. Sometimes you've got one hand on the ground, a knee on the ground, and two people pushing you.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – All eyes are always on the man in the middle. Well, at least the trained eye. New England Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork can tell you all about that. He knows the coaches saw he was having a tough time in the first half of last season (along with the rest of the defense). After careful examination, everyone came to the same conclusion. “I was too aggressive,” Wilfork said on Wednesday. “I went into the season saying, ‘I want to be dominant. I want to just push people over.’ Definitely I have the capability of doing that, but (opponents) didn’t allow me too. A lot of centers would snatch me down, a lot would jump out of the way, so they used my strategy against me.”

FOXBORO, Mass. -- Vince Wilfork describes himself as a "hands-on guy," which is a much more beneficial approach for a chiropractor than a nose tackle.

Wilfork’s aggressiveness actually limited his production during the first half of the 2005 season. He lined up too close to the ball at the line of scrimmage, therefore he couldn’t properly read plays before the snap.

An intervention by Patriots head coach Bill Belichick in October helped Wilfork correct his mistakes. After the 6-foot-2 nose tackle modified his technique, the Patriots rose from 25th in run defense to seventh by the end of the season and won six of their final eight games to clinch their third consecutive division title.

FOXBORO -- He wears the brand proudly, as most former Miami Hurricanes do, and he wouldn't give back those college days for anything.
    But if you need an indication of how much a New England Patriot Vince Wilfork really is, the third-year nose tackle's membership in the brotherhood of 'The U' will lead you there.
    See, most of those old 'Canes congregate back on the Coral Gables campus in the offseason to work out. The tradition is cemented to the point where players like Jeremy Shockey and Edgerrin James have directly disregarded the desires of their pro teams to attend.