There was a time, early this offseason, when the recovery of Tom Brady seemed like it would be the biggest story in the NFL as we approached the season.
Now he’s fully practicing on the first day of training camp and it barely makes a ripple. (Okay, the news comes from Sportscenter so its making a small ripple.)
The lack of fanfare is partially by design; the Patriots have treated his recovery in the same “nothing to see here” manner that they treat most injuries.
But it’s also because his recovery has gone smoother than anyone expected when there were fresh memories of infections and follow up surgeries.
While Brady is healthy and happy at camp, not all of his teammates are.
Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork showed up to camp on time, true to his word, but his agent isn’t happy with his lack of a contract extension.
“Our desire was, and is, a commitment to Vince that equals the one he has made to the organization,” agent Kennard McGuire said. “Today, we’re just not there. For a man who is as passionate to the game as Vince Wilfork is, I truly feel this is unjust.’'
While Wilfork is disappointed, there doesn’t appear to be much he can do right now. Both sides won’t discuss where the contract negotiations are, but the Patriots hold the cards.
If Wilfork made it to 2010 without a new contract, it seems likely the Patriots would retain his services with the franchise tag.