Courtesy of New York Jets
New York City – The New York Jets announced Wednesday that middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma, the Club’s MVP, will play for the AFC squad in the Pro Bowl on February 12, 2006. Vilma will join defensive teammate CB Ty Law in Hawaii.
“It’s an honor for me to be selected to play in the Pro Bowl,� Vilma said. “It was one of my goals when I set my sights on playing in the National Football League and I am excited to play with all the great players that have also been selected. I want to thank my teammates, coaches and particularly Bob Sutton (Jets’ linebacker coach) and Donnie Henderson as well as for the fans of the New York Jets that voted for me throughout the course of the season. I truly appreciate the honor and look forward to playing the game.�
Vilma, selected by the Jets in the first round (#12 overall) of the 2004 Draft, was named the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year last season. The Miami native finished as the NFL’s leading tackler in 2005 (with 187 from coaches film and 173 from press box statistics) and was tied for seventh in the NFL in fumbles forced. Vilma became the first Jets’ defender to lead the league in tackles since S Victor Green racked up 207 stops in 1996.