Longtime New England Patriot defensive tackle Vince Wilfork will dress in another uniform this season. The 33-year-old announced Monday he had signed with the Houston Texans, ending his 11-year career in New England.
Wilfork is headed to Houston, according to a statement he released Monday on Twitter.
Thank you everyone for everything your support has been tremendous pic.twitter.com/Kej0MsI6yB
— Vince Wilfork (@wilfork75) March 16, 2015
Wilfork's deal with Houston is a two-year contract worth $9 million with $5 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
New England chose not to exercise its team option on Wilfork for the 2015 season, a decision likely made for the $8.06 million it saved in salary cap space. Wilfork, whom the Patriots drafted 21st overall in the 2004 draft, won two Super Bowls in New England and was the anchor and the leader of coach Bill Belichick's defense.
Shortly after news of Wilfork's departure, Belichick called Wilfork one of the franchise's all-time greats.
"Few players reached or will ever reach the special level of Vince Wilfork. He is a great champion and one of the classiest people I have ever been around - just a kind, genuine and giving person who was all about our team, football, winning and bringing joy to others," Belichick said in a statement released on the team website. "There may have never been anyone at his position with as much strength, toughness, intelligence, instinctiveness and athleticism. He is the best defensive linemen I ever coached, an all-time great Patriot whose place on our team will be missed but whose remarkable career as a Patriot will be remembered forever."
Wilfork, in addition to his two Super Bowl rings, earned five Pro Bowl invites as a Patriot and was part of New England's 50th anniversary team.
