Former New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma to retire

Former New Orleans Saints and New York Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma has announced his retirement and will be honored at the Saints game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Former New Orleans Saints and New York Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma has announced his retirement and will be honored at the Saints game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, the team announced.

Vilma played 10 seasons in the NFL, being named to three Pro Bowls (2005, 2009, 2010) and winning a Super Bowl with the Saints in 2010.

The 33-year-old was drafted by the Jets with the No. 12 pick in the 2004 NFL Draft and won the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award that season.

Vilma started 121 of 125 starts during his career, recording 612 total tackles, 12 interceptions, 11 forced fumbles and 10.5 sacks.

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Vilma was signed by the Saints in 2008 and was a crucial part of the team’s defense during his tenure. He was selected a defensive team captain by his teammates from 2009–2012.

He was cut by the Saints in Feb. 2014, and has spent the last year as a free agent.