Vince Wilfork

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Lore & Background

Wilfork played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, earning first-team All-Big East honors in 2003. He was selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL draft by the Patriots, where he spent his first 11 seasons. During his New England tenure, Wilfork received five Pro Bowl selections and one first-team All-Pro selection. Wilfork also won two Super Bowl titles. In his final two seasons, Wilfork was a member of the Houston Texans.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere was electric during the second quarter of the November 22, 2012 matchup against the New York Jets. Vince Wilfork lined up at defensive tackle, his focus locked on the line of scrimmage. As the play developed, he surged forward and shoved offensive lineman Brandon Moore with such force that Moore stumbled backward directly into quarterback Mark Sanchez. The collision sent Sanchez sprawling as he fumbled the ball, which safety Steve Gregory returned for a touchdown in what became known as the 'Butt Fumble.' This moment encapsulated Wilfork's physical dominance throughout his career, where he consistently occupied multiple blockers to disrupt opposing offenses. Earlier in his tenure, during the 2007 season, his intensity led to four separate fines from the NFL, including a reduced $2,500 penalty for hitting J.P. Losman and a $15,000 fine for an unsportsmanlike conduct foul against Jason Witten. His resilience was tested in 2013 when he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear against the Atlanta Falcons, yet he returned the following year to record 47 tackles and secure his second Super Bowl ring against the Seattle Seahawks.

Reader's Guide

Wilfork was ranked by most in the media as the second best defensive tackle prospect in the 2004 NFL draft behind only Tommie Harris. He drew comparisons to fellow Miami alumnus Warren Sapp, and was selected in the first round (21st overall) by the New England Patriots. In his rookie 2004 season, he compiled two sacks, 42 tackles, and three deflected passes, and started Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, a Patriots victory. He was named to the Patriots' 50th anniversary team in 2009. In 2012, he made a play known as the Butt Fumble, shoving Jets offensive lineman Brandon Moore into quarterback Mark Sanchez, causing a fumble that was returned for a touchdown by safety Steve Gregory.

Did You Know?

• Wilfork won Super Bowl XXXIX in his rookie season with the Patriots.
• Wilfork caused the 'Butt Fumble' that resulted in a fumble returned for a touchdown, not a safety.