Texans' Vince Wilfork considering retirement

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If nose tackle Vince Wilfork decides to retire after his second season with the Texans, his career could end in the same place where it began.

If the Texans defeat Oakland in an AFC wild-card game at NRG Stadium on Saturday, there's a good chance they'll play in the divisional round at New England, the team that made Wilfork a first-round pick in 2004.

Wilfork, 35, said Tuesday he is seriously considering retirement for the first time in his 13-year career.

"It's something I've been thinking about," he said. "It's a possibility. I still love this game. One of the hardest pills to swallow is when you leave something you love."

Wilfork has anchored the defensive line for two seasons. He's started all but one game and helped the Texans win back-to-back AFC South titles. They finished regular season first in defense.

"It's going to be tough," he said. "My body feels good, but do I want to continue?

"I'm not walking out banged up or with nothing left in the tank. For me, it's more mental than anything. When the season's over, I'm going to really take a look at what I want to do, if I want to continue or not."

Houston Texans nose tackle Vince Wilfork (75) and inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) run onto the field before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in Nashville. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Texans nose tackle Vince Wilfork (75) and inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) run onto the field before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, ... more Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 87 Caption Close Texans' Vince Wilfork considering retirement 1 / 87 Back to Gallery

In 2007, when he was hired as a Patriots' assistant, coach Bill O'Brien met Wilfork.

"I've had tremendous respect for Vince from the time I met him" O'Brien said. "When I think about Vince, I think about two things – his family, his wife and kids and all the things he does in the community in New England and Houston.

"And then I think about Vince on the field. To play that position for that many years at such a high level is incredible."

Wilfork has been remarkably durable during his career. He's missed seven games in 12 seasons, not counting 2013 when he missed 12 with a torn Achilles tendon.

"There's physical, violent contact on every play," O'Brien said. "It's a testament to his toughness.

"He's been a good teammate and a good leader. And I know this about Vince: He wants to play really well in the playoffs."

Offensive tackle Duane Brown said Wilfork deserves to be voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"Absolutely (because) if you ask any offensive lineman that's played against him in this league – any quarterback that's played against him – they'll tell you the same thing," Brown said. "He's been an unstoppable force for over a decade. He's done everything you can do as a player."