There are often times in my life, where I develop non-sexual crushes on athletes.
Being Ecuadorian, I've been the biggest fan of Antonio Valencia for the last eight years of my life. However, a new stud has emerged and is getting dangerously close to passing Valencia in the rankings.
This new contender represents every vernacular that is associated with quickness. This man is agile, mobile and has the speed of a Kenyan sprinter. I'm talking of course about 6-foot, 2-inch, 325-pound defensive tackle for the New England Patriots, Vince "the disposal" Wilfork. For those of you who are not familiar with Mr. Wilfork, I highly suggest you check out his YouTube videos on both his interceptions this season.
Both of his interceptions had me in tears from laughter and gave me no choice but to go online and purchase one of his jerseys. Wilfork is listed at a generous 325 pounds on the Patriots official roster, but let me tell you, this man is at least 350 with the possibility of 365-375.
All jokes aside, Wilfork has become one of the best defensive players in the NFL and is the leader of the Patriots defensive unit, which is among the strongest in the league. When people think of the Patriots, obviously Tom Brady comes to mind and rightfully so. Brady has already thrown for 1,874 yards and 14 touchdowns and is among the top three quarterbacks in football. However, I firmly believe that defense wins championships, and without Wilfork, Brady and his Patriots would be in a lot of trouble.
Through five games, Wilfork has 10 tackles, 0.5 sacks and is among the team's leaders in interceptions with two. As I mentioned earlier, Wilfork's earth-shaking interceptions were pretty funny to watch but were also impressive because of the big fellas ability to run up field and add some yards after catch.
His most recent interception against the Raiders in week four, Wilfork looked more like a linebacker when he read the eyes of Quarterback Jason Campbell and fell back into coverage to reel in the interception and return it for 19 yards.
Wilfork's success had essentially made him a media darling, and the big hoss is relishing in his time with the spotlight. Darrelle Revis, who is a starting cornerback on the rival Jets, is a shutdown defender in New York and is commonly known for his work on "Revis Island." Wilfork has also gained the "Wilfork Island" trade mark, and in a recent interview when asked what the biggest difference between him and Revis was, Wilfork quipped and said he could catch the ball. Revis has only one interception on the season compared to Wilfork's two.
How could you not like Wilfork though? He's a monster on the inside for the Pats who works his butt off and on the field. On top of this, Wilfork gives hope to morbidly obese young men everywhere, who have dreams of success in sports outside the hot-dog eating industry. Wilfork is 29 years old, and there's no doubt in my mind he can flourish in the league for several more years. The Pats are on their way to perhaps another Super Bowl Ring, and "the disposal" is a big (emphasis on big) reason why.
