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April 16, 2008

Patriots' Wilfork to raise money for diabetes research

By SHALISE MANZA YOUNG
Journal Sports Writer

Vince Wilfork also came to chat this morning, mostly to talk about his annual Draft Party, which raises funds for the Diabetes Research Institute. Wilfork's father died from the effects of the disease, so it is a cause that is close to his heart.

There are still tickets available for the event, which will be held at Pinz Bowling alley in Milford, Mass. from 1-6 p.m. on April 26, the first day of the draft. There will also be a memorabilia auction.

Wilfork said it gives fans the chance to see that he's just a normal guy, and more importantly helps raise awareness of diabetes.

"I saw my father suffer for 12 years," he said. "He lost his eyesight, lost limbs; it was basically seeing my father die slowly."

To that end, Wilfork has continued to monitor his diet. He knows that it is easy for him to stay in shape and maintain his weight as long as he's playing football, but he has already started looking toward the days when he will no longer be in the NFL. Given his family history of diabetes and high blood pressure, he knows it is important to be diligent about his diet and weight.

As for the Patriots, Wilfork said he hasn't re-watched any of Super Bowl XLII and has no plans to. He gave credit to Giants' quarterback Eli Manning and receiver David Tyree for pulling off the improbable play that led to New York's win, but what's past is past and New England is looking ahead to this year

"Every year you go into camp wanting to get better. We lost the Super Bowl; that was a goal of ours, that is the goal of every team in this league. We have to do whatever it takes to get back there and win. We have to start now getting everything in order," he said.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:19 PM to Patriots | Permalink

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