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NFL star saves motorist on his way home from the big game

For Vince Wilfork, his one-handed rescue is just another day at the office.

 

Allen Weiner

Internet Culture

Posted on Jan 19, 2015   Updated on May 29, 2021, 5:51 pm CDT

Run-stopping defender by day, heroic lifesaver by night. Yep, that’s New England Patriot, Vince Wilfork.

While others were toasting the lopsided, 45-7 Pats victory over the Indianapolis Colts Sunday in the AFC Championship, the 33-year-old former Miami Hurricane pulled a woman out of an overturned Jeep with one hand on his way home from the game. At 6 feet 2 inches tall and 325 pounds, Wilfork probably had an easier time playing superhero than he will facing the powerful Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. The woman, charged with operating a vehicle under the influence, no doubt was clueless that her savior is a run-stuffing former first-round pick in the 2004 draft, and owner of a Super Bowl ring.

Given how much social media loves stories that touch on the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat, Wilfork’s jaws of life act has touched fans in a big way.

The Pats were among the first to salute their hero.

Local media piled on this Boston Strong moment.

As well as Miami media giving a shoutout to the former ‘Canes star.

But one (seemingly) clever fan couldn’t resist the urge to bring #DeflateGate into the picture.

https://twitter.com/JadaaaChris/status/557249150254084099

Photo via Keith Allison/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

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*First Published: Jan 19, 2015, 8:19 pm CST