After a 4 1/2-month lockout, after all the legal posturing by the NFL owners and players, Vince Wilfork wasn’t quite sure what to expect Thursday morning.
And then the New England Patriots took the field behind Gillette Stadium for their first practice of the season.
They were greeted by a huge cheer and ovation from the 3,000-plus fans who filled the bleachers and hill around the field.