Patriots Hall of Fame announces 2022 inductee
Vince Wilfork has long been considered a Patriots legend, but that title will now become official. On Tuesday, the team announced Wilfork will be inducted as the 32nd member of the Patriots Hall of Fame.
Each year, a new inductee is chosen based on a fan vote. Wilfork beat out two other finalists, guard Logan Mankins and linebacker Mike Vrabel. Wilfork is the sixth player to be inducted in his first year of eligibility, joining Drew Bledsoe (2011), Troy Brown (2012), Tedy Bruschi (2013), Ty Law (2014) and Kevin Faulk (2016).
Wilfork was a a first-round pick by the Patriots in 2004, and spent 11 seasons in New England. During his career, the Patriots went 123-35 in the regular season while reaching six AFC Championship Games and winning two Super Bowls. Wilfork is the only player other than Tom Brady to have a ring from both iterations of the Patriots’ dynasty (XXXIX and XLIX).
As a nose tackle, Wilfork anchored some of the best defenses of the Bill Belichick era in New England. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro during his time with the Patriots.
“It’s my pleasure to announce Vince Wilfork as our 2022 Patriots Hall of Fame selection,” Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft said in a statement about Wilfork’s induction. “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.”
The Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are traditionally held at Gillette Stadium and open to the public. According to the team, Wilfork’s ceremony date and time will be announced in the near future.
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