Houston Texans' Vince Wolfork considering retirement

HOUSTON, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Sunday's AFC Wildcard playoff game could be Vince Wilfork's last appearance in the NFL.

The Houston Texans nose tackle is considering retirement, according to the Houston Chronicle's Brian T. Smith.

Wilfork, 35, is on the final year of a two-year, $9 million contract. He missed his first game in three years due to a groin injury in Week 10. Wilfork had just 21 tackles this season.

Texans coach Bill O'Brien said that Wilfork's contemplation caught him "off guard," according to NFL Network's Jane Slater.

The Texans boasted the top-ranked total defense this season. Wilfork, a former First-Team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection, is a two-time Super Bowl champion. His Texans host the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Wild Card round at 4:35 p.m. Saturday at NRG Stadium.

"It's going to be tough," Wilfork told the Chronicle. "My body feels good, but do I want to continue?"

"I'm not walking out banged up or with nothing left in the tank. For me, it's more mental than anything. When the season's over, I'm going to really take a look at what I want to do, if I want to continue or not."

Wilfork played 11 seasons in New England before joining the Texans last season.