Vince Wilfork To Appear (Almost) Nude In Annual ESPN 'Body Issue' Because Why Not?
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- Patriots fans will finally be able to fulfill their lifelong dreams: seeing former stalwart nose tackle Vince Wilfork naked.
Well, almost. Wilfork is set to appear in ESPN's annual "Body Issue" along with 18 other high-profile athletes, set to hit the web on July 6 and newsstands on July 8. A release from ESPN describes the Body Issue as "a powerful storytelling platform," which it can be if you're not ... distracted.
However, the Body Issue is certainly empowering for those who wouldn't feel so secure in showing off their not-so-chiseled bodies like these pro athletes do (*raises hand*). Topping Prince Fielder as the largest man to ever grace the Body Issue, Wilfork was asked about his physique and responded with the air of confidence and security Patriots fans are used to hearing from the two-time Super Bowl champion.
"I know I don't have the six-packs and the eight-packs and all that ... but I'm perfectly fine with what I am," said Wilfork. "If people can look at me, look at a guy that's 325-plus doing an issue like this, I'm pretty sure that they might have a little confidence after seeing that it's OK to be who you are."
Patriots fans know better than anyone else that Wilfork is incredibly athletic for a man his size. Hopefully, the Body Issue does a good job portraying that.
Other high-profile athletes appearing in this year's Body Issue are Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers, pitcher Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs, and UFC star Conor McGregor. American duathlete Chris Mosier will also be the first transgender athlete to appear in the Body Issue. Check out a video preview at ESPN.com, including a shirtless, grinning Wilfork.
Here's the full roster, as listed by ESPN:
Nathan Adrian, Olympics/swimming
Jake Arrieta, MLB
Antonio Brown, NFL
Emma Coburn, Olympics/steeplechase
Courtney Conlogue, surfing
Elena Delle Donne, WNBA
Ryan Dungey, motocross
Adeline Gray, Olympics/wrestling
Greg Louganis, Olympics/diving
Conor McGregor, MMA
Von Miller, NFL
Chris Mosier, duathlon
Nzingha Prescod, Olympics/fencing
Christen Press, soccer
April Ross, Olympics/beach volleyball
Allysa Seely, paratriathlete
Claressa Shields, Olympics/boxing
Dwyane Wade, NBA
Vince Wilfork, NFL
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
