New Orleans Saints: Jonathan Vilma Reaches Out To Fans (Interview)

This past weekend in New Orleans I was invited, as a staff member of WhoDatDish.com, to attend an event sponsored by Perry Ellis. The event was designed to allow Saints fans a chance to get to know linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

The probowl linebacker was at Dillard’s inside Lakeside Mall in Metarie from two until well after four, autographing everything, and in general being a great sport.

Vilma spoke to the crowd about life during the off-season and what it was like to be a national football player for the New Orleans Saints, he praised all of his teammates and coaches.

Once I had my chance to speak with him I asked why the New York Jets allowed him to be traded, he said he had gotten hurt the previous year, and during his recovery time the Jets decided to go with players that had filled in during his absence.

Next I asked him what it was like being center stage after winning the Superbowl. You could see the reaction in his eyes when he was speaking about the amazing feelings he had while sharing the podium with Drew Brees and Sean Payton.

He loved the fact that the Saints traded for him, because he wanted to go to a franchise that really wanted to win, amd let’s face it, Vilma had to buy into a Saints team that had never really been successful.

It obviously paid off, as his faith in the team was rewarded with a Lombardi Trophy.

He really lit up when I asked how he liked playing for defensive coordinator Greg Williams, considering how his scheme allows the defense to play to their strengths.

He went on to mention how Williams really trusted him from the start and allowed him, and his teammates, to be aggressive at what they do and to bring it each and every game

Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams arrived in New Orleans in 2009, just one year after the Saints acquired Jonathan Vilma from the Jets, and since the two have turned the Saints defensive into a feared squad.

Vilma, along with all of his teammates, have really brought pride back to the New Orleans Saints. All of their fans love him for it, which I witnessed first hand while looking at an extremely long line of fans clamoring to meet him.

Please support the Jonathan Vilma Foundation, which supports the building of charter schools in Haiti to educate students from kindergarten through high school. Visit jonathanvilmafoundation. org for more details.

WHO DAT LOVES THEM SAINTS.. WE DO GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!!!