Wilfork Says His Time With Patriots Is Over; I Have 'Lots Of Gas Left In The Tank'
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Vince Wilfork says his time with the New England Patriots is over after 11 years.
The stalwart defensive tackle who won two Super Bowls with the Patriots tweeted Thursday that the front office told him it will not be picking up his option.
Wilfork will become a free agent next week. The 325-pound, five-time Pro Bowler, who turned 33 in November, said he's ready for the next chapter in his career.
"Can I still play football? Hell yea! do I still love football? Hell yea! One thing for sure is I will always be a fixture in New England forever. ... This will always be my home," he wrote on Twitter. "One major injury lots of gas still left in the tank."
The move will reportedly save the Patriots around $8 million as they prepare for the free agent signing period, which begins Tuesday. It is widely believed New England said goodbye to Wilfork so it can focus on bringing back cornerback Darrelle Revis.
Known for his fierce play against the run, Wilfork was drafted out of Miami in 2004. He helped the Patriots to their third Super Bowl title in four years that season with a win over the Philadelphia Eagles and to another one over Seattle in February.
"I'm in a good place," Wilfork said. "I will take my time think things through take into consideration many things but mainly my family and see where life goes from there. ... But regardless remember I will always remain a New Englander a Patriot forever."
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