Former Saints Defensive Star Arrested, Per Report
Former New Orleans Saints linebacker and current FOX football analyst Jonathan Vilma was reportedly arrested earlier this week.
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Vilma, 43, was allegedly arrested in his hometown of Miami on Wednesday evening, according to Andy Slater, a Miami area reporter. Slater goes on to say that Vilma was pulled over for driving a vehicle with expired tags, then also cited for driving with a license that had been suspended since October of 2023.
Reports also indicate that a bench warrant had been issued for Vilma in the state of Florida. This was a result of him not appearing for a scheduled court appearance after being cited for driving under a suspended license in Miami Beach back in April of this year.
Sep 8, 2011; New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma (51) during a game against the Green Bay Packers. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Jonathan Vilma starred as a linebacker for the Miami Hurricanes between 2000 and 2003. He was part of a national championship team with the Hurricanes and was a three-time All-Big East selection as well as a 2003 1st Team All-American.
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Vilma was the 12th overall choice in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He won the 2004 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and led the league in solo and combined tackles in 2005.
In four years with the Jets through 2007, Vilma made one Pro Bowl (2005) and had 6 interceptions, 2.5 sacks, and 17 tackles for loss while averaging 110 tackles per season. He was traded to the New Orleans Saints during the 2008 offseason in exchange for a fourth-round draft choice.
Feb 7, 2010; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws under pressure from the New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma (51) during Super Bowl XLIV. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images
Vilma spent six seasons with the Saints and was an integral part of their Super Bowl XLIV championship team during the 2009-10 season.
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During his time with New Orleans, Vilma earned two Pro Bowl appearances. As a Saint, he intercepted 7 passes, recorded 8 sacks, forced or recovered 17 fumbles, and had 28 stops for negative yardage.
For the last several years, Vilma has been a color analyst for NFL games on FOX Sports and has also been part of college football coverage for the network. Jonathan Vilma was inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in 2017. He is on this year's ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame.
Related: Derek Carr Further Explains Retirement Decision From New Orleans Saints
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
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