Vince Wilfork is adjusting to life after 11 years in New England.
On Monday, the two-time Super Bowl winner showed up to his first day of offseason conditioning as a Houston Texan. The transition has been a smooth one so far, according to Wilfork, and and his teammates are eager to have him in the locker room.
"He's a guy who's had a lot of success in the league and he is extremely good at what he does," J.J. Watt said Monday. "I'm really excited about that. It's going to be great for our young guys to have that veteran leadership. Obviously, I'm looking forward to playing on the line with him because he is very good at what he does and he commands respect from every team."
For Wilfork, the feeling is mutual.
"Everybody loves to win, so hopefully we can do a lot of that now especially now that I'm here," Wilfork said Monday. "It will be fun times, it will definitely be fun."
The five-time Pro Bowler is familiar with many on the coaching staff, from head coach Bill O'Brien to defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and even former teammate-turned-linebackers-coach, Mike Vrabel. The Texans defensive philosophy is one that Wilfork knows well.
"Same background that I've been in New England - I'm pretty sure there will be some different things that I haven't done over the last couple of years, but at the same time, the foundation is about the same," Wilfork said. "I know the mindset. I know what they are looking for in certain schemes. Things that I don't know, I will learn so that won't be hard."
Wilfork will now be playing for O'Brien, whom he recalled well from his days as the Patriots offensive coordinator. The defensive lineman said O'Brien's biggest strength had always been his football knowledge.
"The same guy that was in New England, I see here," Wilfork said. "Just going to the first team meeting, just seeing how happy he is and how fun he is. You could tell why guys want to play for him. I know it was a little different, but at the same time, it's good just knowing him a little bit."
