Vince Wilfork to Texans: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork will not be playing for the New England Patriots in 2015, opting to head to the Houston Texans.

Wilfork announced his decision Monday, with NFL Network's Ian Rapoport revealing it's a two-year deal. John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reported the contract is for $9 million with $5 million of that guaranteed.

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The Patriots thanked him for his time with the organization:

Tom Brady also wished Wilfork well as he moves on to Houston:

Wilfork re-posted Brady's photo and message on Instagram and provided this comment: "One of the toughest decision I ever had to make is walk away from Patriot organization, fans, coaches, and my f****** locker room. Love u guys to death."  

Wilfork had spent all 11 of his previous NFL seasons in New England, making five Pro Bowls and winning two Super Bowls in that span. His gaudy resume speaks for itself as to why Texans fans should be excited to welcome Wilfork to town.  

Wilfork spoke about his decision via Twitter and commented on his time in New England:

"

To win a Super Bowl my rookie year as a Pat and win another 1 my last year as a Patriot is such a blessing I couldn't write a better ending. The Kraft family will always B family frm every son their wives &grandkids NFL brings people together real relationships keep them together. Thank you Bill for 11 years I have learned so much it's been an amazing run you your kids Linda we are always family.

"

Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle provided Wilfork's full comments.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick issued a statement on Wilfork, via the team's official website:

"

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.  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.

"

Earlier this month, ESPN.com's Mike Reiss discussed why the Patriots didn't pick up Wilfork's option, which allowed him to enter free agency:

Wilfork and New England couldn't come to an agreement, giving Houston a unique opportunity.

Although he isn't quite the dominant force he once was, the 33-year-old Wilfork is still a massive space-eater who is still one of the best run-stoppers in the NFL.

Rapoport noted how well Wilfork performed in 2014 in addition to how fired up the veteran was to keep playing:

Players as big as Wilfork with his light feet and athleticism are extremely rare. A unique blend of strength and quickness will allow Wilfork to extend his playing days with the Texans, who joins a line that already features J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney. Rapoport highlighted Watt's response to the signing:  

It isn't too big of a surprise that the Patriots let Wilfork go. They drafted defensive tackle Dominique Easley in the first round in 2014, and he figures to take over a starter's role sometime soon.

Now, Houston will hope that Wilfork can emulate the production New England enjoyed for over a decade.

There's no doubt Wilfork knows how to be a pleasant locker room presence from his time in coach Bill Belichick's "Patriot Way." Houston's coaching staff also features former Patriots assistants Bill O'Brien (head coach) and Romeo Crennel (defensive coordinator).

Bringing such immense championship experience and football knowledge will be invaluable to the Texans on top of whatever Wilfork manages to do on the gridiron.