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| New Orleans Saints — No. 51 | |
| Linebacker | |
| Date of birth: April 16, 1982 | |
| Place of birth: Coral Gables, Florida | |
| Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | Weight: 230 lb (100 kg) |
| National Football League debut | |
|---|---|
| 2004 for the New York Jets | |
| Career history | |
| College: Miami (Fla.) | |
| NFL Draft: 2004 / Round: 1 / Pick: 12 | |
Teams:
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| Current status: Active | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Stats at NFL.com | |
Jonathan Polynice Vilma (born April 16, 1982 in Coral Gables, Florida) is an American football linebacker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the New York Jets 12th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami.
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Jonathan Vilma chose the University of Miami over Florida State, Florida, Pittsburgh and Iowa.
In 2000, Vilma played in all 11 games as a reserve middle linebacker and compiled 38 tackles (29 solo) and a pass deflection
After the Graduation of Dan Morgan, Vilma stepped up into the starting middle linebacker role and played an integral part of the Hurricanes' National Championship team. He led the team in tackles with 79 (54 solo) and compiled 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery (36-yard touchdown), 3 pass deflections and an interception. He started 11 of 12 games during the regular season and was selected on the First-Team All-Big East team. Many fans remember two of Vilma's hits in the Rose Bowl win over Nebraska.
Vilma led the team in tackles with 133 (75 solo) with two big hits to seal the deal. and had two quarterback sacks, a forced fumble, recovered two fumbles, (returned one for a touchdown) and broke up five passes. He earned unanimous first-team All-Big East selection for the second time in his career and was semi-finalist for the Dick Butkus Award, along with teammate D.J. Williams.
In his final year, Vilma led the team in tackles for a second time with 127 (81 solo), notched a sack, forced one fumble, and recovered three fumbles. Vilma ended the year as a finalist for the Butkus Award.
Along with his success on the field, Vilma was a three-time Academic All-Big East Conference. He received a degree in finance from the University of Miami's well-respected School of Business Administration.
Vilma was drafted by the Jets with the 12th selection in the 2004 NFL Draft.
In 2004, Vilma was named as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press. During his rookie campaign, he recorded 108 tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions, including one which was returned for his first NFL touchdown.
In 2005, Vilma led the NFL in tackles with 173, forced four fumbles, notched one fumble recovery, half a sack, and one interception. Vilma also replaced Zach Thomas at the 2006 Pro Bowl.
In 2006, Vilma put together another solid season. He compiled 114 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception.
On October 27, 2007, Vilma was placed on injured reserve. He suffered a season ending knee injury during the New York Jets week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals[1]. Vilma was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in high school, a bone defect that can cause instability and loose particles in the joint, and this is a possible cause behind his season-ending injury in 2007.[2]
On February 29, 2008 the Jets traded Vilma to the New Orleans Saints for a 4th round draft pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and a conditional pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.[3]
| Year | Team | G | Tackles | Sacks | TFL | INT | INT YDS | FF | FR | PD | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | NY Jets | 16 | 108 | 2 | 5.5 | 3 | 58 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
| 2005 | NY Jets | 16 | 173* | 0.5 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| 2006 | NY Jets | 16 | 114 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| 2007 | NY Jets | 7 | 43 | 0 | 0.5 | 1 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Totals | 55 | 435 | 2.5 | 13 | 6 | 71 | 6 | 3 | 19 | 1 |
| Preceded by Terrell Suggs |
AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year 2004 |
Succeeded by Shawne Merriman |
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