Las Vegas Raiders DT Christian Wilkins Discusses His Idol Growing Up

Las Vegas Raiders DT Christian Wilkins said he looked up to two-time Super Bowl champion Vince Wilfork growing up.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins evolved into one of the best at his position throughout the five years he spent with the Miami Dolphins.

As is the case for every athlete, Wilkins has players he looked up to growing up who he used for inspiration as he worked towards his goal of making it to the league.

There was one NFL legend, in particular, Wilkins admired most, one who, of course, played at his position.

"I would say, again, for me growing up, being such a Patriots fan, I just idolized so many of them; those guys were guys to me," Wilkins said when he recently joined the "Third and Long" podcast. "But even from, more specifically, a defensive line standpoint, I loved Big Vince. Big Vince Wilfork.

"You can't go wrong with him, as a player as a man, all of that. And me and him are -- I'm lucky to have a relationship with him now to this day. It's really cool, and again, that's just -- you're a kid, you're idolizing someone, and now y'all are good friends, have a good relationship and stuff like that.

"So, that's really good. I love Big Vince and just his personality and all of that stuff. And he played the game the right way, and he was someone who kind of showed me what it's supposed to look like.

"And [that is] something I try to bring and jus try to carry the game on. And i feel like we have that responsibility now as current players -- D-linemen -- to be that for future generations."

Wilfork played 13 seasons in the NFL, 11 of which were as a Patriot. While in New England, Wilfork won two Super Bowl titles under the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick dynasty and was named to five Pro Bowls and one first-team All-Pro team.

The longtime defensive tackle played a huge role in those successful 2000s Patriots teams, and like Wilkins, was one of the best interior defensive lineman in the league at the time. Perhaps Wilkins can someday surpass his idol's legacy as a defensive tackle.

You can watch the entire podcast episode here.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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