Jonathan Vilma
A three-time Pro Bowl linebacker who led the Saints to a Super Bowl XLIV victory and played for the team from 2008 through 2013.
Jonathan Vilma joined the New Orleans Saints on February 29, 2008, after being traded by the Jets for a fourth-round pick in 2008 and a conditional pick that became a third-rounder. In his first season with the team, he played all 16 games, recording 132 tackles and one sack. On February 27, 2009, Vilma signed a five-year, $34 million contract. He served as a defensive captain, led the team in tackles, recorded three interceptions, and earned his second Pro Bowl selection that year. On February 7, 2010, he made key plays—including a crucial audible and deflecting a pass on 3rd and 11 in the fourth quarter—as the Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31–17 to win Super Bowl XLIV. Vilma again led the team in tackles in 2010 and was selected to the Pro Bowl. In 2011, he started and played in 11 games before being inactive for five others due to a knee injury. Vilma was central to the Saints bounty scandal; although initially suspended for the entire 2012 season on May 2, his suspension was overturned on September 7, only to be reinstated by the league on October 9. He retained paychecks for the first six weeks while on the Physically Unable to Perform list, and the suspensions were vacated by former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue on December 11, 2012. Vilma played in 11 games during the 2012 season. In 2013, he underwent knee surgery, was reactivated for the eighth game against his former team, the New York Jets, and then placed on injured reserve again to end his season. His contract was not renewed by the Saints on February 12, 2014. He officially retired from football and was honored by the Saints before their home game on December 6, 2015. Vilma was inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame on October 29, 2017.
- Position
- Linebacker
- Years with Saints
- 2008–2013
- Super Bowl Appearance
- XLIV (Champion)
- Pro Bowl Selections
- 3 times
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Vilma arrived in New Orleans on February 29, 2008. In his first season with the Saints, he was a bright spot on a weak defensive unit, playing all 16 games and recording 132 tackles with one sack. During the 2009 season, Vilma signed a five-year, $34 million contract on February 27, 2009. He served as a defensive captain, led the team in tackles, recorded three interceptions, and was chosen for his second Pro Bowl. On February 7, 2010, he helped the Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts 31–17 in Super Bowl XLIV, making key plays including a critical audible and deflecting a pass on 3rd and 11 in the fourth quarter. Vilma again led the team in tackles in 2010 and was selected to the Pro Bowl. In 2011, he started and played in 11 games but was inactive for five others due to a knee injury. Vilma was a central figure in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal; although initially suspended for the entire 2012 season on May 2, his suspension was overturned on September 7, only to be reinstated by the league on October 9. The suspensions were vacated by former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue on December 11, 2012. Vilma played in 11 games during the 2012 season. In 2013, he underwent knee surgery, was reactivated for the eighth game against his former team, the New York Jets, and then placed on injured reserve again to end his season.
In Their Own Story
On February 7, 2010, during Super Bowl XLIV, Jonathan Vilma made several important plays as the Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31–17. He executed a key defensive audible and deflected a pass on 3rd and 11 in the fourth quarter. Earlier that season, he had signed a five-year, $34 million contract on February 27, 2009, serving as a defensive captain while leading the team in tackles with three interceptions and earning his second Pro Bowl selection.
Reader's Guide
Jonathan Vilma played for the New Orleans Saints from 2008 through 2013. He was traded to the team on February 29, 2008. In 2009, he signed a five-year, $34 million contract and served as a defensive captain, leading the team in tackles with three interceptions while earning his second Pro Bowl selection. Vilma helped the Saints win Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010, making key plays including an audible and a pass deflection. He led the team in tackles again in 2010 and made the Pro Bowl. In 2011, he played in 11 games before being inactive for five others due to a knee injury. Vilma was suspended for the 2012 season following the bounty scandal; although initially overturned on September 7, his suspension was reinstated on October 9 and vacated by Paul Tagliabue on December 11, 2012. He played in 11 games that season. In 2013, he underwent knee surgery, returned for one game against the Jets, and then ended his season on injured reserve. Vilma's contract was not renewed on February 12, 2014. He retired from football, was honored by the Saints on December 6, 2015, and inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame on October 29, 2017.
Did You Know?
- Vilma was traded to the Saints on February 29, 2008, a leap year date.
- He signed a five-year, $34 million contract with the Saints on February 27, 2009.
- During Super Bowl XLIV, Vilma made a key defensive audible and deflected a pass on 3rd and 11 in the fourth quarter.
- Vilma was initially suspended for the entire 2012 season over the bounty scandal, but former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue vacated all suspensions on December 11, 2012.
- He started his final NFL game against his original team, the New York Jets, in 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jonathan Vilma for the Saints?
He served as a defensive captain and starting linebacker from 2008 through 2013, anchoring the unit during their championship run.
How did Jonathan Vilma arrive in New Orleans?
The team acquired him from the Jets on February 29, 2008, trading future draft capital to bring his experience to the roster.
What role did he play during Super Bowl XLIV?
Vilma made critical plays in the title game, including a key audible and a pass deflection that helped secure the victory.
How many Pro Bowls did he earn as a Saint?
He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times during his career with the franchise for his consistent defensive leadership.
What major contract extension did he sign in 2009?
Vilma committed his future to the club by signing a five-year, $34 million deal after his first season in New Orleans.
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