‘You’re all my family:’ Vince Wilfork thanks Patriots and fans at Hall of Fame ceremony
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Flanked by six Lombardi Trophies, two of which he helped deliver, Patriots long-time defensive tackle Vince Wilfork was formally inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame Saturday afternoon.
Patriots fans packed Enel Plaza to witness the two-time champion and five-time Pro Bowl selection become the 32nd member to be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame.
Defensive linemen Vince Wilfork is walking the red carpet as he gets inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame at Gillette Stadium. pic.twitter.com/bVWpNVJJmQ
— Brea Douglas (@BreaDouglasTV) September 24, 2022
During his 11 years in Foxboro, “Big Vince” was one of the most feared defensive tackles in the league. Using all of his 325-pound frame, Wilfork was able to wreck opposing offensive lines playing across from the center or by playing off the edge. Despite his bulking figure, Wilfork often said he was one of the best athletes on the team, a claim that those in the organization grew to accept.
“There was nothing more entertaining to me than watching players try to tackle Vince after he made an interception or fumble,” said Patriots owner Robert Kraft
Wilfork is the sixth player to be selected for the Patriots Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility, behind Drew Bledsoe, Troy Brown, Tedy Bruschi, Ty Law and Kevin Faulk.
During his speech, Wilfork expressed how the support from the Patriots and the fanbase helped him overcome the deaths of his parents at a young age.
“You made my life a lot easier,” said Wilfork through tears. “And I’ll forever be grateful for that. You’re all my family. I’m wearing this jacket but this jacket is for all of us.”
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was the final person to take the podium, sporting an uncharacteristic ear-to-ear grin as he did so. Belichick expressed his admiration for Wilfork’s team-first attitude and called the former nose tackle a “Hall of Fame leader.”
When they pick captains for the Hall of Fame, Vince will undoubtedly be one of those,” said Belichick.
Wilfork was honored at a halftime ceremony during the Patriots’ home opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
Today’s halftime ceremony honoring @TheHall’s newest member, @wilfork75. pic.twitter.com/Xi0xGNzkXE
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 25, 2022
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