Jonathan Vilma: Difference between revisions
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| status = | | status = | ||
| highlights = * [[Super Bowl champion]] ([[Super Bowl XLIV|XLIV]]) | | highlights = * [[Super Bowl champion]] ([[Super Bowl XLIV|XLIV]]) | ||
* [[ | * [[NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year]] (2004) | ||
* 3× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2006 Pro Bowl|2005]], [[2010 Pro Bowl|2009]], [[2011 Pro Bowl|2010]]) | * 3× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2006 Pro Bowl|2005]], [[2010 Pro Bowl|2009]], [[2011 Pro Bowl|2010]]) | ||
* [[List of NFL annual tackles leaders#Solo tackles leaders|NFL solo tackles leader]] (2005) | * [[List of NFL annual tackles leaders#Solo tackles leaders|NFL solo tackles leader]] (2005) | ||
* [[List of NFL annual tackles leaders#Combined tackles leaders|NFL combined tackles leader]] (2005) | * [[List of NFL annual tackles leaders#Combined tackles leaders|NFL combined tackles leader]] (2005) | ||
* [[PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2004|2004]]) | * [[PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2004|2004]]) | ||
* [[ | * [[New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame]] | ||
* [[ | * [[BCS national champion]] ([[2002 Rose Bowl|2001]]) | ||
* [[Jack Lambert Trophy]] (2003) | * [[Jack Lambert Trophy]] (2003) | ||
* First-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[2003 College Football All-America Team|2003]]) | * First-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[2003 College Football All-America Team|2003]]) | ||
* First-team All-[[ | * First-team All-[[Big East]] (2001, 2002, 2003) | ||
| statlabel1 = [[Tackle (football move)|Total tackles]] | | statlabel1 = [[Tackle (football move)|Total tackles]] | ||
| statvalue1 = 879 | | statvalue1 = 879 | ||
| statlabel2 = [[Quarterback sack|Sacks]] | | statlabel2 = [[Quarterback sack|Sacks]] | ||
| statvalue2 = 10.5 | | statvalue2 = 10.5 | ||
| statlabel3 = [[ | | statlabel3 = [[Forced fumbles]] | ||
| statvalue3 = 11 | | statvalue3 = 11 | ||
| statlabel4 = [[ | | statlabel4 = [[Fumble recoveries]] | ||
| statvalue4 = 10 | | statvalue4 = 10 | ||
| statlabel5 = [[Interceptions]] | | statlabel5 = [[Interceptions]] | ||
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'''Jonathan Polynice Vilma''' (born April 16, 1982) is an American [[color analyst]] and former professional [[American football|football]] player in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played as a [[linebacker]] and was a three-time [[Pro Bowl]] selection. | '''Jonathan Polynice Vilma''' (born April 16, 1982) is an American [[color analyst]] and former professional [[American football|football]] player in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played as a [[linebacker]] and was a three-time [[Pro Bowl]] selection. | ||
Vilma played [[college football]] for the [[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami Hurricanes]], winning a national championship in 2001. He was selected by the [[New York Jets]] in the first round of the [[2004 NFL draft]]. Vilma won a [[Super Bowl]] championship with the [[New Orleans Saints]]. He serves as a color analyst for the [[NFL on Fox]]. He previously worked at [[ESPN]] as a college football commentator and studio analyst.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espnmediazone.com/us/bios/jonathan-vilma/|title=Jonathan Vilma | Vilma played [[college football]] for the [[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami Hurricanes]], winning a national championship in 2001. He was selected by the [[New York Jets]] in the first round of the [[2004 NFL draft]]. Vilma won a [[Super Bowl]] championship with the [[New Orleans Saints]]. He serves as a color analyst for the [[NFL on Fox]]. He previously worked at [[ESPN]] as a college football commentator and studio analyst.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espnmediazone.com/us/bios/jonathan-vilma/|title=Jonathan Vilma – ESPN MediaZone|website=espnmediazone.com}}</ref> Vilma was elected as a member of the Orange Bowl Committee in 2018. | ||
==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
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====2004==== | ====2004==== | ||
In 2004, Vilma was named as the [[ | In 2004, Vilma was named as the [[NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year]] by the [[Associated Press]]. During his rookie campaign, he recorded 107 tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions, one of which was returned for his first NFL touchdown. | ||
====2005==== | ====2005==== | ||
| Line 106: | Line 106: | ||
====2007==== | ====2007==== | ||
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]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Chicago Sun Times |url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/624331,CST-SPT-nflnt28.article |access-date=October 28, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204153533/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/624331%2CCST-SPT-nflnt28.article |archive-date=December 4, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Jets' Vilma Speaks, a Little, About His Knee and Surgery | first = Frank | last = Litsky | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/sports/football/14jets.html | newspaper = New York Times | date = November 14, 2007 | access-date = September 24, 2009}}</ref> | 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]].<ref>{{cite news |title=NFL takes its brand overseas |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2007/10/27/nfl-takes-its-brand-overseas/ |access-date=November 9, 2025 |work=[[The Mercury News]] |date=October 28, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510042144/https://www.mercurynews.com/2007/10/27/nfl-takes-its-brand-overseas/ |url-status=dead |url-access=subscription |archive-date=May 10, 2017 |location=[[San Jose, California]] |quote=New York Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma was placed on injured reserve because of a knee injury, ending his season after seven games.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Unknown title |newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/624331,CST-SPT-nflnt28.article |access-date=October 28, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204153533/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/624331%2CCST-SPT-nflnt28.article |archive-date=December 4, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=November 2025|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Jets' Vilma Speaks, a Little, About His Knee and Surgery |first=Frank |last=Litsky |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/sports/football/14jets.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 14, 2007 |access-date=September 24, 2009}}</ref> | ||
===New Orleans Saints=== | ===New Orleans Saints=== | ||
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====2009: Super Bowl year==== | ====2009: Super Bowl year==== | ||
On February 27, 2009, Vilma signed a five-year, $34 million contract with the Saints.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/02/27/saints-reach-agreement-with-vilma/ |title=Saints reach agreement with Vilma - NFL.com |work=[[NFL.com]] |date=February 27, 2009 |access-date=September 9, 2012}}</ref> Vilma was elected one of the defensive captains, led the team in tackles, had three interceptions, and was chosen for his second Pro Bowl. In [[Super Bowl XLIV]] on February 7, 2010, Vilma made several important plays, including making a key defensive audible and deflecting a pass on 3rd and 11 in the fourth quarter. The Saints beat the [[Indianapolis Colts]] 31–17.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XLIV | On February 27, 2009, Vilma signed a five-year, $34 million contract with the Saints.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/02/27/saints-reach-agreement-with-vilma/ |title=Saints reach agreement with Vilma - NFL.com |work=[[NFL.com]] |date=February 27, 2009 |access-date=September 9, 2012}}</ref> Vilma was elected one of the defensive captains, led the team in tackles, had three interceptions, and was chosen for his second Pro Bowl. In [[Super Bowl XLIV]] on February 7, 2010, Vilma made several important plays, including making a key defensive audible and deflecting a pass on 3rd and 11 in the fourth quarter. The Saints beat the [[Indianapolis Colts]] 31–17.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XLIV – New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts – February 7th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201002070clt.htm |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> | ||
====2010–2011==== | ====2010–2011==== | ||
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====2012: Bounty scandal==== | ====2012: Bounty scandal==== | ||
Vilma was a central figure in the [[New Orleans Saints bounty scandal]]. The NFL alleged that [[defensive coordinator]] [[Gregg Williams]] operated an incentive program, which paid out "bounties" for deliberately putting opposing players out of games. The league alleged that Vilma offered $10,000 cash to anyone who knocked [[Brett Favre]] out of the 2009 NFC Championship Game. Most notably, Favre was forced out of the game for one play with an ankle injury. Although up to 27 players were accused of involvement, Vilma was the only player initially singled out by the league for his role.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/17546706/saints-team-officials-involved-in-bounty-program-should-pay-dearly|title=Saints, team officials involved in bounty program should pay dearly|last=Judge|first=Clark|publisher=[[CBSSports.com]]|date=March 2, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224103832/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/17546706/saints-team-officials-involved-in-bounty-program-should-pay-dearly|archive-date=December 24, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NFL announces management discipline in Saints' 'bounty' matter|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-management-discipline-in-saints-bounty-matter-09000d5d827c15b2|publisher=National Football League|access-date=March 26, 2012}}</ref> The NFL suspended Vilma for the entire 2012 season on May 2, 2012. The suspension was reported to be the longest suspension related to in-game misconduct in modern NFL history, dwarfing the previous record of five games handed to [[Albert Haynesworth]] for stomping on [[Andre Gurode]]'s head in 2006. The league contended that Vilma and defensive end [[Will Smith (defensive end)|Will Smith]] aided Williams in starting the alleged program in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|last=Aiello|first=Greg|title=FOUR PLAYERS SUSPENDED FOR PARTICIPATION IN SAINTS' PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE/BOUNTY PROGRAM|url=http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/5-2-12-saints-players1.pdf|publisher=National Football League|access-date=May 2, 2012}}</ref> Vilma found out about the suspension when it was announced on ''[[SportsCenter]]'', immediately announced his intent to appeal and adamantly denied that he was involved in any sort of bounty scheme.<ref name="ESPNplayers">{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7881761/nfl-bans-four-players-new-orleans-saints-bounty-roles|title=Jonathan Vilma banned one year|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=May 2, 2012}}</ref> Vilma filed a personal slander suit against Roger Goodell.<ref>{{cite news|url= | Vilma was a central figure in the [[New Orleans Saints bounty scandal]]. The NFL alleged that [[defensive coordinator]] [[Gregg Williams]] operated an incentive program, which paid out "bounties" for deliberately putting opposing players out of games. The league alleged that Vilma offered $10,000 cash to anyone who knocked [[Brett Favre]] out of the 2009 NFC Championship Game. Most notably, Favre was forced out of the game for one play with an ankle injury. Although up to 27 players were accused of involvement, Vilma was the only player initially singled out by the league for his role.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/17546706/saints-team-officials-involved-in-bounty-program-should-pay-dearly|title=Saints, team officials involved in bounty program should pay dearly|last=Judge|first=Clark|publisher=[[CBSSports.com]]|date=March 2, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224103832/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/17546706/saints-team-officials-involved-in-bounty-program-should-pay-dearly|archive-date=December 24, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NFL announces management discipline in Saints' 'bounty' matter|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-management-discipline-in-saints-bounty-matter-09000d5d827c15b2|publisher=National Football League|access-date=March 26, 2012}}</ref> The NFL suspended Vilma for the entire 2012 season on May 2, 2012. The suspension was reported to be the longest suspension related to in-game misconduct in modern NFL history, dwarfing the previous record of five games handed to [[Albert Haynesworth]] for stomping on [[Andre Gurode]]'s head in 2006. The league contended that Vilma and defensive end [[Will Smith (defensive end)|Will Smith]] aided Williams in starting the alleged program in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|last=Aiello|first=Greg|title=FOUR PLAYERS SUSPENDED FOR PARTICIPATION IN SAINTS' PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE/BOUNTY PROGRAM|url=http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/5-2-12-saints-players1.pdf|publisher=National Football League|access-date=May 2, 2012}}</ref> Vilma found out about the suspension when it was announced on ''[[SportsCenter]]'', immediately announced his intent to appeal and adamantly denied that he was involved in any sort of bounty scheme.<ref name="ESPNplayers">{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7881761/nfl-bans-four-players-new-orleans-saints-bounty-roles|title=Jonathan Vilma banned one year|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=May 2, 2012}}</ref> Vilma filed a personal slander suit against Roger Goodell.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jen Floyd |last=Engel |url=https://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Jonathan-Vilma-puts-heat-on-Roger-Goodell-league-with-lawsuit-052212 |title=Vilma lawsuit puts Goodell on the run |work=[[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]] |date=May 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525074502/https://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Jonathan-Vilma-puts-heat-on-Roger-Goodell-league-with-lawsuit-052212 |archive-date=May 25, 2012}}</ref> | ||
Opinions about the suspensions were divided, as alleged targets like Favre and [[Kurt Warner]] claimed that incentive programs were part of the game, which was corroborated by <ref name=FoxLegal>{{cite news|url= | Opinions about the suspensions were divided, as alleged targets like Favre and [[Kurt Warner]] claimed that incentive programs were part of the game, which was corroborated by <ref name=FoxLegal>{{cite news |url=https://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/gregg-williams-new-orleans-saints-bounty-issue-may-have-legal-implications-for-nfl-030812 |title=Bounty issue could be NFL legal problem |last=Perez |first=A. J. |work=[[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]] |date=March 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312020539/https://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/gregg-williams-new-orleans-saints-bounty-issue-may-have-legal-implications-for-nfl-030812 |archive-date=March 12, 2012}}</ref> former players interviewed by ''[[Sports Illustrated]]''. On July 26, Vilma and seven witnesses from the Saints (along with a sworn affidavit from [[Drew Brees]]) testified to a federal judge in New Orleans that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell misrepresented the facts in the league's investigation. Vilma's suspension was overturned on September 7, and he was reinstated for the 2012 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-player-bounty-suspensions-overturned-on-appeal-0ap1000000059459 |title=Saints player bounty suspensions overturned on appeal |work=NFL.com |access-date=September 8, 2012}}</ref> The [[Associated Press]] reported [[Roger Goodell]]'s disappointment in the determination of the arbitration board's ruling. | ||
On October 9, 2012, the league again suspended Vilma, Browns linebacker [[Scott Fujita]], Saints defensive end | On October 9, 2012, the league again suspended Vilma, Browns linebacker [[Scott Fujita]], Saints defensive end Will Smith and free-agent defensive end [[Anthony Hargrove]]. Vilma's suspension lasted throughout the entire 2012 season, but he was allowed to retain his paychecks (when he was on the Physically Unable to Perform list) for the first six weeks of the season.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brooks|first=Matt|title=Report: NFL re-issues bounty suspensions for Saints players|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2012/10/09/nfl-re-issues-bounty-suspensions-for-saints-players/|publisher=The Washington Times|access-date=October 9, 2012}}</ref> The suspensions were then reviewed by former NFL Commissioner [[Paul Tagliabue]], who overruled Roger Goodell and vacated the suspensions on December 11, 2012. Vilma continued his defamation lawsuit against commissioner Goodell,<ref>{{cite news|title=Saints' Jonathan Vilma pursuing defamation case against Roger Goodell as teammates blast commissioner, NFL| url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/football/nfl/article/1301555--saints-jonathan-vilma-pursuing-defamation-case-against-roger-goodell-as-teammates-blast-commissioner-nfl | location=Toronto | work=The Star | date=December 13, 2012}}</ref> but it was ultimately dismissed in January 2013.<ref>[https://www.nfl.com/news/jonathan-vilma-s-lawsuit-against-roger-goodell-dismissed-0ap1000000127698 "Jonathan Vilma's lawsuit against Roger Goodell dismissed"], [[NFL.com]], January 17, 2013.</ref> | ||
In total, Vilma played in 11 games during the 2012 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jonathan Vilma 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/V/VilmJo99/gamelog/2012/ |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> | In total, Vilma played in 11 games during the 2012 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jonathan Vilma 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/V/VilmJo99/gamelog/2012/ |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> | ||
====2013==== | ====2013==== | ||
Vilma underwent knee surgery during the preseason and was placed on the Reserve/Injured Designated for Return list, with the hope that he would recover in time to play during the season. He was reactivated for the Saints' eighth game, a 26–20 loss to his former team, the New York Jets, and was in the game for only 12 defensive snaps. The following week, he was again placed on injured reserve, ending his 2013 season.<ref>John | Vilma underwent knee surgery during the preseason and was placed on the Reserve/Injured Designated for Return list, with the hope that he would recover in time to play during the season. He was reactivated for the Saints' eighth game, a 26–20 loss to his former team, the New York Jets, and was in the game for only 12 defensive snaps. The following week, he was again placed on injured reserve, ending his 2013 season.<ref>{{cite web |last1=DeShazier |first1=John |title=Saints defense will have to move ahead without Jonathan Vilma |url=http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-deshazier/John-DeShazier-Saints-defense-will-have-to-move-ahead-without-Jonathan-Vilma/da8e3e96-18a3-4191-a37c-85e605a550b6 |website=[[New Orleans Saints]] |access-date=November 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202230246/http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-deshazier/John-DeShazier-Saints-defense-will-have-to-move-ahead-without-Jonathan-Vilma/da8e3e96-18a3-4191-a37c-85e605a550b6 |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |date=November 7, 2013}}</ref> | ||
====2014==== | ====2014==== | ||
On February 12, 2014, Vilma's contract was not renewed with the New Orleans Saints. He became a guest analyst on ''[[Bleacher Report]]''.<ref> | On February 12, 2014, Vilma's contract was not renewed with the New Orleans Saints. He became a guest analyst on ''[[Bleacher Report]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Orleans Saints part ways with Jabari Greer, Roman Harper, Will Smith and Jonathan Vilma |url=http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-1/New-Orleans-Saints-part-ways-with-Jabari-Greer-Roman-Harper-Will-Smith-and-Jonathan-Vilma/d876ddef-f03f-43bd-8732-e50f25525f9a |website=New Orleans Saints |access-date=November 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215041014/http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-1/New-Orleans-Saints-part-ways-with-Jabari-Greer-Roman-Harper-Will-Smith-and-Jonathan-Vilma/d876ddef-f03f-43bd-8732-e50f25525f9a |archive-date=February 15, 2014 |date=February 12, 2014}}</ref> | ||
Vilma officially retired from football, and was honored by the Saints before their home game on December 6, 2015.<ref>{{cite web | last=Triplett | first=Mike | title=Vilma officially retires, honored by Saints | website=ESPN.com | date=December 6, 2015 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14303743/jonathan-vilma-officially-announces-retirement-new-orleans-saints | access-date=July 24, 2024}}</ref> | Vilma officially retired from football, and was honored by the Saints before their home game on December 6, 2015.<ref>{{cite web | last=Triplett | first=Mike | title=Vilma officially retires, honored by Saints | website=ESPN.com | date=December 6, 2015 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14303743/jonathan-vilma-officially-announces-retirement-new-orleans-saints | access-date=July 24, 2024}}</ref> | ||
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| 1 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | | 1 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="2"| Totals<ref>{{cite web|title=NFL Statistics | ! colspan="2"| Totals<ref>{{cite web|title=NFL Statistics – 2005|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/stats?season=2005|publisher=ESPN|access-date=May 3, 2012}}</ref> !! 125 !! 879 !! 617 !! 262 !! 10.5 !! 12 !! 116 !! 40 !! 3 !! 11 !! 10 | ||
|} | |} | ||
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Vilma is a spokesman for [[Under Armour]] and WaterBank of America USA Inc.<ref>{{cite web|title=NFL SUPER STAR Jonathan VILMA Signs With WaterBank of America USA Inc. as Spokesperson for ICEROCKS, Secured Spring Water Ice Cubes|url=http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Waterbank-Of-America-Usa-Inc-OTC-Bulletin-Board-WBKA-633442.html |access-date=February 19, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> | Vilma is a spokesman for [[Under Armour]] and WaterBank of America USA Inc.<ref>{{cite web|title=NFL SUPER STAR Jonathan VILMA Signs With WaterBank of America USA Inc. as Spokesperson for ICEROCKS, Secured Spring Water Ice Cubes|url=http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Waterbank-Of-America-Usa-Inc-OTC-Bulletin-Board-WBKA-633442.html |access-date=February 19, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> | ||
His parents, Fritz Vilma and Nelly Banatte, migrated to the United States from [[Haiti]] in the 1970s. After the [[2010 Haiti earthquake|2010 earthquake]], he was active in relief efforts.<ref> | His parents, Fritz Vilma and Nelly Banatte, migrated to the United States from [[Haiti]] in the 1970s. After the [[2010 Haiti earthquake|2010 earthquake]], he was active in relief efforts.<ref>{{cite news |title=Saints' Vilma Urges Help For Haiti |url=http://www.wdsu.com/sports/22242731/detail.html |access-date=November 9, 2025 |work=[[WDSU]] |date=January 15, 2010 |orig-date=January 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224083242/http://www.wdsu.com/sports/22242731/detail.html |archive-date=February 24, 2012}}</ref> | ||
Vilma started the Jonathan Vilma Foundation after the 2010 Haiti earthquake to help with the rebuilding efforts in Haiti, in particular a charter school to educate students from elementary school to high school. | Vilma started the Jonathan Vilma Foundation after the 2010 Haiti earthquake to help with the rebuilding efforts in Haiti, in particular a charter school to educate students from elementary school to high school. | ||
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{{Super Bowl XLIV}} | {{Super Bowl XLIV}} | ||
{{New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame}} | {{New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame}} | ||
{{NFL on Fox}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
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[[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]] | [[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]] | ||
[[Category:American football linebackers]] | [[Category:American football linebackers]] | ||
[[Category:American | [[Category:American people of Haitian descent]] | ||
[[Category:Sportspeople of Haitian descent]] | |||
[[Category:College football announcers]] | [[Category:College football announcers]] | ||
[[Category:Coral Gables Senior High School alumni]] | [[Category:Coral Gables Senior High School alumni]] | ||
Latest revision as of 20:26, 21 December 2025
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Jonathan Polynice Vilma (born April 16, 1982) is an American color analyst and former professional football player in the National Football League (NFL). He played as a linebacker and was a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
Vilma played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, winning a national championship in 2001. He was selected by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2004 NFL draft. Vilma won a Super Bowl championship with the New Orleans Saints. He serves as a color analyst for the NFL on Fox. He previously worked at ESPN as a college football commentator and studio analyst.[1] Vilma was elected as a member of the Orange Bowl Committee in 2018.
Early life
Vilma was born in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York City to Haitian immigrant parents.[2][3] His family moved to Coral Gables, Florida, when Vilma was 6 years old, where he attended G. W. Carver Middle School and later Coral Gables Senior High School, where he was a teammate of Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore.
College career
Vilma received an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Miami, and played for coach Butch Davis and coach Larry Coker's Miami Hurricanes football teams from 2000 to 2003.
2000 season
In 2000, Vilma played in all 11 games as a reserve middle linebacker and compiled 38 tackles (29 solo) and a pass deflection.
2001 season
After the graduation of Dan Morgan, Vilma stepped into the starting middle linebacker role and played an integral role on the Hurricanes' National Championship team. He led the team in tackles with 79 (54 solo) and compiled two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery for a 36-yard touchdown, three 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.
2002 season
Vilma led Miami in tackles with 133 (75 solo), and had two quarterback sacks, a forced fumble, recovered two fumbles, (returning 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 a semi-finalist for the Dick Butkus Award, along with teammate D. J. Williams.
2003 season
In his final year, Vilma led the team in tackles for a third time with 127 (81 solo), with one 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 bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Miami's School of Business Administration.
Vilma was interviewed about his time at the University of Miami for the documentary The U, which premiered December 12, 2009, on ESPN.
Professional career
New York Jets
Vilma was drafted by the Jets in the first round with the 12th selection in the 2004 NFL draft.[4]
2004
In 2004, Vilma was named as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press. During his rookie campaign, he recorded 107 tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions, one of which was returned for his first NFL touchdown.
2005
In 2005, Vilma led the NFL in tackles with 169, forced four fumbles, notched one fumble recovery, half a sack, and one interception. Vilma also replaced Zach Thomas at the 2006 Pro Bowl.
2006
In 2006, Vilma put together another solid season. He compiled 114 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception.
2007
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.[5][6][7]
New Orleans Saints
2008
On February 29, 2008, the Jets traded Vilma to the New Orleans Saints for a fourth-round draft pick in the 2008 NFL draft and a conditional pick in the 2009 NFL draft (ultimately a third-round pick). Jets then-head coach Eric Mangini elected to start linebackers Eric Barton and David Harris in his place.
In his first season with the Saints, Vilma was a bright spot on a weak defensive unit. Vilma played in all 16 games, and recorded 132 tackles with one sack.
2009: Super Bowl year
On February 27, 2009, Vilma signed a five-year, $34 million contract with the Saints.[8] Vilma was elected one of the defensive captains, led the team in tackles, had three interceptions, and was chosen for his second Pro Bowl. In Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010, Vilma made several important plays, including making a key defensive audible and deflecting a pass on 3rd and 11 in the fourth quarter. The Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts 31–17.[9]
2010–2011
Vilma again led the team in tackles in 2010, started every game, and was selected to the Pro Bowl.[10][11][12] He was ranked 37th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.[13] In 2011, he started and played in 11 games but was inactive for five others with a knee injury.[14] He was ranked 58th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.[15]
2012: Bounty scandal
Vilma was a central figure in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal. The NFL alleged that defensive coordinator Gregg Williams operated an incentive program, which paid out "bounties" for deliberately putting opposing players out of games. The league alleged that Vilma offered $10,000 cash to anyone who knocked Brett Favre out of the 2009 NFC Championship Game. Most notably, Favre was forced out of the game for one play with an ankle injury. Although up to 27 players were accused of involvement, Vilma was the only player initially singled out by the league for his role.[16][17] The NFL suspended Vilma for the entire 2012 season on May 2, 2012. The suspension was reported to be the longest suspension related to in-game misconduct in modern NFL history, dwarfing the previous record of five games handed to Albert Haynesworth for stomping on Andre Gurode's head in 2006. The league contended that Vilma and defensive end Will Smith aided Williams in starting the alleged program in 2009.[18] Vilma found out about the suspension when it was announced on SportsCenter, immediately announced his intent to appeal and adamantly denied that he was involved in any sort of bounty scheme.[19] Vilma filed a personal slander suit against Roger Goodell.[20]
Opinions about the suspensions were divided, as alleged targets like Favre and Kurt Warner claimed that incentive programs were part of the game, which was corroborated by [21] former players interviewed by Sports Illustrated. On July 26, Vilma and seven witnesses from the Saints (along with a sworn affidavit from Drew Brees) testified to a federal judge in New Orleans that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell misrepresented the facts in the league's investigation. Vilma's suspension was overturned on September 7, and he was reinstated for the 2012 season.[22] The Associated Press reported Roger Goodell's disappointment in the determination of the arbitration board's ruling.
On October 9, 2012, the league again suspended Vilma, Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, Saints defensive end Will Smith and free-agent defensive end Anthony Hargrove. Vilma's suspension lasted throughout the entire 2012 season, but he was allowed to retain his paychecks (when he was on the Physically Unable to Perform list) for the first six weeks of the season.[23] The suspensions were then reviewed by former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who overruled Roger Goodell and vacated the suspensions on December 11, 2012. Vilma continued his defamation lawsuit against commissioner Goodell,[24] but it was ultimately dismissed in January 2013.[25]
In total, Vilma played in 11 games during the 2012 season.[26]
2013
Vilma underwent knee surgery during the preseason and was placed on the Reserve/Injured Designated for Return list, with the hope that he would recover in time to play during the season. He was reactivated for the Saints' eighth game, a 26–20 loss to his former team, the New York Jets, and was in the game for only 12 defensive snaps. The following week, he was again placed on injured reserve, ending his 2013 season.[27]
2014
On February 12, 2014, Vilma's contract was not renewed with the New Orleans Saints. He became a guest analyst on Bleacher Report.[28]
Vilma officially retired from football, and was honored by the Saints before their home game on December 6, 2015.[29]
2017
Vilma was inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame on October 29, 2017.[30]
NFL career statistics
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Career best |
| Year | Team | GP | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | Int | Yds | PD | TD | FF | FR | |||
| 2004 | NYJ | 16 | 108 | 77 | 31 | 2.0 | 3 | 58 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2005 | NYJ | 16 | 173 | 128 | 45 | 0.5 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| 2006 | NYJ | 16 | 117 | 69 | 48 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2007 | NYJ | 7 | 41 | 31 | 11 | 0.0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2008 | NO | 16 | 132 | 98 | 34 | 1.0 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 2009 | NO | 15 | 110 | 87 | 23 | 2.0 | 3 | 25 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 | NO | 16 | 105 | 70 | 35 | 4.0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| 2011 | NO | 11 | 54 | 36 | 18 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 2012 | NO | 11 | 37 | 20 | 17 | 1.0 | 1 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | NO | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Totals[31] | 125 | 879 | 617 | 262 | 10.5 | 12 | 116 | 40 | 3 | 11 | 10 | |
Personal life
Vilma is a spokesman for Under Armour and WaterBank of America USA Inc.[32]
His parents, Fritz Vilma and Nelly Banatte, migrated to the United States from Haiti in the 1970s. After the 2010 earthquake, he was active in relief efforts.[33]
Vilma started the Jonathan Vilma Foundation after the 2010 Haiti earthquake to help with the rebuilding efforts in Haiti, in particular a charter school to educate students from elementary school to high school.
References
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- ↑ "Jonathan Vilma's lawsuit against Roger Goodell dismissed", NFL.com, January 17, 2013.
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External links
- Career statistics from Yahoo Sports
- Jonathan Vilma official website
- Miami Hurricanes bio Template:Webarchive
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- 1982 births
- Living people
- American Conference Pro Bowl players
- American football linebackers
- American people of Haitian descent
- Sportspeople of Haitian descent
- College football announcers
- Coral Gables Senior High School alumni
- Miami Hurricanes football players
- National Conference Pro Bowl players
- NFL announcers
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year winners
- New Orleans Saints players
- New York Jets players
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish football announcers
- Players of American football from Coral Gables, Florida