The most venerated member of Houston's top-ranked total defense will consider hanging up his cleats after the Texans' postseason run.
Veteran defensive tackle Vince Wilfork told reporters Tuesday that he will consider retirement for the first time in his stellar 13-year career.
Although there's nothing definitive at this point, Wilfork told NFL Network's Jane Slater that he thinks about exploring outside interests such as "horses and fishing."
Wilfork's disclosure came as a surprise to coach Bill O'Brien.
"Wow, caught me off guard," O'Brien said, per Slater.
A designated run-stuffer, Wilfork started 14 games and led Houston's defensive line in snaps during the regular season. The Texans might just have a natural successor with Christian Covington playing his best ball of the season the past two weeks.
Whether or not Wilfork chooses to walk away from the game, the team will likely add depth in the 2017 NFL Draft.
