For over a decade, NFL fans eagerly awaited the best part of any New England Patriots Thanksgiving day game – watching star defensive tackle Vince Wilfork devour a giant turkey leg on the sidelines. Wilfork’s insatiable appetite for these drumsticks made him a viral sensation and cemented the turkey leg as an iconic Thanksgiving football tradition.

Wilfork’s Rise to Turkey Leg Stardom

Vince Wilfork was drafted by the Patriots in 2004 and instantly became an anchor on defense. The massive 6’2″, 325-pound tackle was one of the largest players in the league, yet moved with unexpected speed and agility for his size.

Wilfork quickly developed into one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL, earning five Pro Bowl selections He helped the Patriots win two Super Bowls during his 11 seasons with the team

But it was Wilfork’s legendary eating skills that earned him fame beyond the gridiron. Images of the big man hungrily tearing into a cooked turkey leg after Patriots victories became an internet sensation. His childlike enthusiasm and unabashed joy chomping down on those legs made Wilfork a viral Thanksgiving hero.

Thanksgiving Feasting

Part of the appeal of Thanksgiving is the decadent feasting. And when it came to turkey legs, no NFL player could match Vince Wilfork’s appetite. Just look at the big grin on his face as juice drips down while he happily chews away. Some fun facts about Wilfork’s holiday eating exploits:

• He would typically eat 2-3 entire turkey legs each Thanksgiving game.

• Wilfork had a secret marinade recipe he used on the legs before grilling.

• Turkey legs were his favorite Thanksgiving meal, but he enjoyed all the fixings.

• Chomping legs on-field became a tradition after Patriots wins.

• Images of Wilfork devouring a leg turned into popular memes.

• No one could rival Wilfork’s sheer joy and enthusiasm eating turkey legs.

• His turkey leg legend epitomized the NFL’s Thanksgiving celebrations.

Wilfork was in his element on Thanksgiving – playing football and getting to chow down on his beloved turkey drumsticks.

Legacy of the Turkey Leg

Thanks to Wilfork, the turkey leg has become ingrained as part of NFL Thanksgiving lore. Players now frequently mimic his celebratory feasting after big wins on the holiday. But none can match the childlike glee and hunger Wilfork displayed while eating those legs.

Although retired since 2016, Wilfork’s legacy lives on. Fans eagerly wait to see who will be honored with carrying on the turkey leg tradition each season. Other players may hold legs up briefly as trophies, but Wilfork truly savored the experience.

Watching Wilfork devour his beloved drumsticks encapsulated the unrestrained indulgence and joy that Thanksgiving represents. And for that, fans are forever grateful for the big man who turned turkey legs into an NFL institution.

Wilfork Turkey Leg Highlights

Here are some memorable moments of Vince Wilfork enjoying his signature Thanksgiving turkey legs:

• 2012 – Wilfork eats a leg on the sidelines as the Patriots blow out the Jets. His satisfied smile says it all.

• 2013 – Overcome with emotion after a dramatic comeback win, Wilfork clutches a turkey leg while greeting fans.

• 2014 – Following a close win, Wilfork straps on an American flag cape and triumphantly hoists up a half-eaten leg.

• 2015 – Now on the Texans, Wilfork grins with half a leg in his mouth after upsetting the Saints on Thanksgiving.

• 2016 – In his final NFL season, Wilfork fittingly takes one last celebratory bite of a leg.

Vince Wilfork made the turkey leg an essential Thanksgiving football tradition. He will live on forever in memes and memories as the NFL’s ultimate turkey leg icon.

Vince Wilfork’s Legendary Turkey Leg Celebrations

For over a decade, NFL fans eagerly awaited the best part of any New England Patriots Thanksgiving day game – watching star defensive tackle Vince Wilfork devour a giant turkey leg on the sidelines. Wilfork’s insatiable appetite for these drumsticks made him a viral sensation and cemented the turkey leg as an iconic Thanksgiving football tradition.

Wilfork’s enthusiasm and joy while eating turkey legs was unrivaled. Here are some of his most memorable turkey leg celebrations over the years:

2012 – After blowing out the New York Jets, a grinning Wilfork is shown contently chewing on a turkey leg on the sideline. Pure satisfaction.

2013 – Following a dramatic comeback victory over Denver, an emotional Wilfork walks around greeting fans while clutching a partially eaten leg.

2014 – After a close win against Detroit, Wilfork straps on an American flag as a cape and triumphantly holds a gnawed turkey leg high in the air.

2015 – Now on the Houston Texans, Wilfork happily feasts on a leg after his new team upsets the Saints on Thanksgiving.

2016 – In his final NFL season, a reflective Wilfork takes one last celebratory bite of turkey leg, solidifying his legacy.

Wilfork’s childlike enthusiasm while devouring those legs made him a viral sensation. Though long retired, he made the turkey leg an essential part of NFL Thanksgiving lore. No player will ever match the hunger and joy that Big Vince displayed chomping down Thanksgiving turkey legs!