Jonathan Vilma
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Career Summary
Jonathan Vilma was an NFL linebacker from Miami who played 10 seasons with the Jets and Saints.
NFL statistics list 125 games, 872 tackles, 10.5 sacks and 12 interceptions. He was drafted by the Jets and later became a key Saints defender.
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Early Life
Vilma grew up in Coral Gables, Florida.
Miami listed Coral Gables as his hometown during his Hurricanes career.
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High School
Vilma attended Coral Gables High School.
Miami credited him with 138 tackles and 11 sacks as a senior and named him an All-Dade first-team selection.
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College Career
Vilma was a Miami middle linebacker who led the Hurricanes in tackles for three seasons.
He totaled 250 tackles in 34 games, earned three All-BIG EAST selections, and helped Miami win the 2001 national championship.
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Path to the NFL
The Jets selected Vilma in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft.
New Orleans records identify him as the 12th overall selection from Miami.
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NFL Career
Vilma played for the Jets from 2004 through 2007 and the Saints from 2008 through 2013.
He started 121 of 125 NFL games. His 2005 Jets season produced 169 combined tackles, while his Saints tenure included the Super Bowl XLIV championship run.
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Career Accomplishments
Vilma earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and helped New Orleans win Super Bowl XLIV.
Saints records note his Defensive Rookie of the Year recognition after the Jets drafted him. Miami listed him as a Butkus Award finalist and All-American.
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Playing Style
Vilma led from the middle linebacker position with production, range and academic discipline.
Miami described him as the defense’s leader and a player who led the team in tackles in each of his final seasons.
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Legacy
Vilma is recognized among Miami’s greatest linebackers and was named to the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot.
Miami credited him with leading the program in tackles three times and helping win four straight BIG EAST crowns.
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Post-Career
After football, Vilma became a Miami business owner and remained active in the community.
Miami reported that he operated Brother Jimmy’s locations in Miami and earned a finance degree from the university.
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Sources for this section
20497, 00-0022778, 1982-04-16, Jonathan Vilma, Jonathan, Vilma
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