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Jonathan Vilma
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Jonathan Vilma | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | April 16, 1982 (age 24) |
| Place of birth |  Coral Gables, Florida |
| Position(s) | Middle Linebacker |
| College | University of Miami |
| NFL Draft | 2004 / Round 1/ Pick 12 |
| Pro Bowls | 2006 |
| Awards | 2004 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year |
| Statistics | |
| Team(s) | |
| 2004-Present | New York Jets |
Jonathan Polynice Vilma (born April 16, 1982 in Coral Gables, Florida) is an American football player who currently plays middle linebacker for the New York Jets of the NFL. He is one of several NFL players of Haitian descent.
He is known for his uncommonly fast speed for a linebacker, running the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. Vilma is the defensive leader of the Jets and has begun to play a leadership role generally among NFL players.
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Jonathan Vilma was recruited by some of the top schools but eventually 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 departure of Dan Morgan, Vilma stepped into the starting middle linebacker role and played an integral part of the Hurricanes' National Championship. He led the team in tackles with 79 (54 solos) 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 Vilma's two thunderous hits in the Rose Bowl win over Nebraska.
Vilma led the team in tackles with 133 (75 solo) 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 Dick Butkus Award.
Along with his success on the field, Vilma was a three-time Academic All-Big East Conference. He got a finance major at the University of Miami's well-respected Business School, Vilma is viewed as being financially savvy and may seek a career in finance when his playing days are over.
Vilma was drafted by the Jets out of the University of Miami with a first-round 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 107 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 169, 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 113 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception.
- During game recaps on The Blitz on ESPN with Chris Berman and Tom Jackson, Berman is known for shouting Vilma's last name in the same manner Fred Flintstone would yell his wife Wilma's name during the ending credits of the cartoon The Flintstones.
- Appeared as a guest on the show Rome is Burning, January 29, 2007 from Miami.
- Speaks fluent German and French.
- Vilma is a spokesman for Under Armour, the first company with moisture-wicking fabric to take sweat away from your body. Vilma is in Under Armour ads in magazines and he also appears in some of the Under Armour football commercials.
- Vilma signed with with WaterBank of America USA Inc. on February 1, 2006, as a spokesman for Icerocks, secured spring water ice cubes.
- Jonathan Vilma profile and career statistics at NFL.com.
- Jonathan Vilma NFL statistics at Databasefootball.com
| Preceded by Terrell Suggs |
Defensive Rookie of the Year 2004 |
Succeeded by Shawne Merriman |