Vince Wilfork to enter Patriots’ Hall of Fame next month

New England legend and fan favorite, Vince Wilfork, will be honored in September when he will be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame.

During the 2004 draft, the Patriots would select Wilfork 21st overall, not knowing at the time the tremendous impact he would have on their team.

Throughout his 11 seasons spent with the Patriots, Wilfork became a fixture on the defense as he quickly became one of the best at his position in the league. He would play in 158 regular season games while also starting in 21 post-season games, too.

Wilfork would go on to be a big part of two Super Bowl winning teams in Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles and Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks, while also tabulating a true HOF-worthy resume.

• Started 148 regular season games
• Totaled 3 interceptions returned for 48 yards
• 26 passes defended
• 5 forced fumbles
• 12 fumble recoveries, 1 returned for a touchdown in 2011
• 16 sacks
• 352 solo tackles, 165 assisted tackles
• 37 tackles for a loss, 35 quarterback hits
• Played in four total Super Bowls, winning two
• Made All-Pro 6 times in New England
• Selected for 5 Pro Bowls

When discussing his eventual induction earlier this year, Wilfork’s former coaches and Patriots owner Robert Kraft, had nothing but positive things to say about his time spent with the team.

After the initial announcement was made, Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft, made this statement regarding the former player;

"“For more than a decade, Vince was a dominant defender in the trenches and anchored some of the best defenses in franchise history. His contributions on the field propelled the Patriots to four Super Bowl appearances during his 11-year career. He was a big man with an even bigger personality and a huge heart. He quickly became a fan favorite in New England. I look forward to presenting him his Patriots Hall of Fame jacket.”-Robert Kraft"

Bill Belichick would also release a statement regarding the news;

"“Vince exemplified all the things that define football greatness. Vince’s rare physical ability was obvious, but it was his professional approach to the game, his competitiveness, toughness and dedication to the team that set him, and several of his teams, apart. Vince Wilfork is an all-time great player.”-Bill Belichick"

Former teammates would echo all of the positive remarks as well;

"“Just one heck of a football player. I mean, he was athletic as heck for a guy his size, too. He could catch punts, do all that stuff, and ran well for a guy his size. Just an amazing athlete he was during that time.”-Troy Brown"

In his first year of eligibility, Vince Wilfork won the vote over former teammates Mike Vrabel and Logan Mankins to enter the Patriots Hall of Fame.

The original announcement of Wilfork’s enshrinement was announced in May of this year. But just this week, an official date was given via the Patriots website.

Wilfork will be inducted on Saturday, September 24th at 4 pm, becoming the 32nd member of the prestigious HOF. The ceremony will be free and open for fans to attend, at Enel Plaza located outside of the Patriots Hall of Fame.

The following day, the team will honor their former player during halftime of their season opener against the Ravens.