Biography

Jonathan Vilma entered the NFL in 2004 as the first round pick of the New York Jets out of the University of Miami.  While playing for the Hurricanes, Jonathan established himself both on and off the field. He was nominated for the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker, and voted to the All-Big East Academic Team three times. As a rookie with the Jets in 2004, Vilma was voted the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording 108 tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions. Jonathan continued his success in New York in 2005, leading the NFL with a remarkable 173 total tackles, and was selected to his first Pro Bowl. After another solid season in 2006, Vilma injured his knee in 2007 and was diagnosed with a bone defect. He was traded to the Saints in the offseason where he bounced back to play in all 16 games and record 132 tackles. Jonathan remains active off the field and has worked with both the United Nations and The United Way, and looks forward to reaching out to children in his new community of New Orleans.