Vince Wilfork joins an-already formidable Texans D-line. (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
Vince Wilfork reunited with Bill O’Brien on Monday when the longtime New England Patriot signed a two-year contract with the Houston Texans.
O’Brien, the second-year coach of the Texans, was an assistant with the Patriots from 2007 to 2011.
Wilfork, 33, played in New England for the past 11 years. The Patriots declined to pay a $4 million roster bonus last week, making him a free agent.
“This has been an interesting process for me and my family — one we have taken very seriously and given a lot of thought,” Wilfork said a statement via Twitter. “We want to thank the Kraft family and the entire Patriot organization for the last 11 years; however, we will be starting a new chapter in our lives as Houston Texans. The coaching staff in Houston has made this exciting transition feel like home to us. We will forever be Patriots in our hearts. Thank you, everyone, for everything.”
Wilfork joins a defensive line that is led by two-time defensive player of the year J.J. Watt and includes 2014 first overall draft pick Jadeveon Clowney.
Wilfork was selected by the Patriots in the first round of the 2004 draft and was named to five Pro Bowls while with New England. He also won two Super Bowls, including Super Bowl XLIX in February.
Wilfork was due $8 million in 2015, including a $4 million roster bonus last Tuesday. The Patriots had informed him March 5 that they would not pay it.
