AFTER 13 YEARS, WILFORK TO TACKLE NFL RETIREMENT
Former New England Patriots and Houston Texans defensive tackle Vince Wilfork announced his retirement from the NFL in a barbecue commercial Monday. Wilfork tweeted a video showing him untaping his ankles, hanging up his cleats and grabbing grilling tongs. The video then shows the 35-year-old defender dancing, cooking ribs and smoking a cigar while wearing his trademark overalls. “No more cleats,” he says. “I’m moving on to smoke meats, fellas. Peace out. I’m outta here. Later.” Wilfork was drafted by New England in 2004 and anchored its defense line for 11 seasons. He was named to five Pro Bowls and helped the Patriots win two Super Bowls. He played the last two seasons with the Texans, who did not offer him a contract after the 2016 season.