Is Vilma a future Hall of Famer?
By: Jake Rajala
Jonathan Vilma was arguably the most underrated middle linebacker in his tenure. He was drafted by the New York Jets. He won Defensive Rookie of The Year, and he proceeded to make the Pro Bowl in his second season. In 2008, Vilma left the Jets via a trade to the red-hot New Orleans Saints.
It didn’t take long for Vilma to show he was legit. He made the Pro Bowl in 2009 and 2010. Most importantly, Vilma was a leader and a key reason his squad won the Super Bowl in the 2009-2010 season.
Vilma knew how to defend the genius Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl.
Vilma undoubtedly deserves to be in the Saints ring of honor. Even when he didn’t make the Pro Bowl, he was a team captain and he motivated the people around him. Vilma, Will Smith, and Tracy Porter were the muscle of the Saints defense.
Demario Davis, who is an All-Pro LB for the Saints, also went from a quality LB for the New York Jets to a new and improved LB with the New Orleans Saints. They somehow improved in their 30s.
Vilma wasn’t a dud when he was on the field after 2009. The problem was that he only played in 11 games in 2010 and 11 games in 2011. He was very close to the Saints DC Gregg Williams. When Gregg left the Saints, Vilma wasn’t the same. Vilma was a great blitzer, as Williams loved to blitz. That may even be an understatement.
Of course, Vilma is an NFL commentator. Matter of fact, Drew Brees is joining Fox Sports as an NFL analyst/commentator, as well.
I would love to see Vilma write a book, just as Brees, Malcolm Jenkins, and DD have.
In the end, I don’t see Vilma making it into the Hall of Fame. He was a Super Bowl Champion and a multi-Pro Bowler. I still didn’t see enough production and All-Pro nods (as he doesn’t have any). The MLB spot is very impressive in the 21st century. Demario Davis is a four time second team and one time first team All-Pro figure. I’d say that he makes it to Canton, but not as a first ballot HOFer.
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