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Being a football player is cool. Being a football player who seems to be over the whole “Willy Beamon” ego trip of playing in the NFL is even cooler. That’s what made talking to Jonathan Vilma feel like I was talking to the Jake Ryan of football. (That’s right, an Any Given Sunday and a Sixteen Candles reference in the same post. Deal with it.) Unlike the T.O.s, Chad Johnsons, and Jeremy Shockeys of the world, Jon Vilma knows he’s not bigger than the game.

A good 20 minutes worth of peak-time cell phone chatting with the Saints’ new linebacker left me breathing a sigh of relief about what’s to come in 2008 for my team. You see regardless of whether he’s willing to admit it, Jonathan Vilma will be an impact player in the Saints’ defense; if not on the field, than certainly in the locker room. Maybe it’s because he’s got a sense of purpose that goes beyond just winning games. Jonathan Vilma’s got something to prove.

We’ll get to the stuff he said about helping people in the community, knocking players on their asses and drinking in a moment, but first: the football talk. Here’s what’s clear; Jonathan Vilma is ready to make you believe that he’s the same guy who went 12th in the draft in 2004 to the Jets, won NFL defensive player of the year, and went to the 2006 Pro Bowl. His career was flying high until Jets Coach Eric Mangini made changes on the defense, shifting from Vilma’s favorable 4-3 to a 3-4 formation.

Things went from bad to worse in 2007 when Vilma suffered a season ending knee injury in week 7. That means this guy hasn’t played football since October. To say that he’s a “little bit anxious” to get back on the field again would be like saying you get just a “little bit anxious” when Olindo Mare takes the field. This dude is so hungry to silence his critics and overcome his injury he’s almost salivating at the mouth.

“I know what I was able to do the first two years in the NFL and I hope to get back to that level of playing. I want to get back to that level,” Vilma says.

When asked about his injury, his words reminded me of another resiliant player, Deuce McAllister.

 “So far so good. I haven’t had any setbacks. I’m not 100% but I hope to be close to it by the start of the season.”

When asked about whether he’s ready to take a leadership role in the Saints defense, Vilma played it coy.

“I’m the new guy. I just want to find my way. I don’t want to get there and mess up anything.

(They’re ranked 26th in the NFL Jon. You can’t mess anything up.)

Alright, enough of my football banter. Time for your questions.

Nola Chick: What advice do you have for the Saints first round draft pick Sedrick Ellis?

Vilma: I would tell him to remember what was taught to him up to this point and to remember the hard work he put in to get to that point. He can control football but everything else is outside of his control. But you can’t get enamored and let outside forces influence you.

Nola Chick: Which of these NFL Players do you most look forward to knocking on his ass?

a) Jeff Garcia

b) Steve Smith

c) Rex Grossman

d) Matt Ryan

Vilma: (Laughing out loud) Wow, hmm, umm. (He’s really thinking about it, making him even more awesome in my book.) I don’t know. It’s hard to say. I’m really wondering what made the person who asked that question pick those players.

Nola Chick: Sounds like a personal beef, right?

Vilma: Yeah, it really does. (More laughter)  I don’t know. That’s a tough one.

Nola Chick: So you’ve probably heard the fans and the sports commentators calling you VILMAAAA like “Wilma” from the Flinstones. Does that piss you off?

Vilmaaaaa: (More laughter): I actually like it. The first time I heard it was with the Jets at a home game and it kinda stuck. I’ve heard Chris Berman say it too. But, it’s cool.

Nola Chick: What do you plan on doing for the New Orleans Community and the Hurricane Katrina relief effort?

Vilmaaaaa: I don’t really know what the need is yet. I know there was a lot of damage in the 9th ward. I really just want to get to know more about the city to see how I can help.

Nola Chick: What do you think of New Orleans so far?

Vilmaaaaa: I’ve been around the city and took a couple drives by myself checking everything out. I went to the French Quarter, St. Charles and around the team facilities. When I went alone to the French Quarter, I didn’t feel like my personal safety was threatened or anything.

(I’m torn between crying and giggling over his last statement as it speaks volumes about how outsiders view our city.)

Nola Chick: Where have you eaten?

Vilmaaaaa: I’ve been to Commander’s Palace.

Nola Chick: Have you been to Jacquimos?

Vilmaaaaa: Who?

Nola Chick: Jacquimos. It’s sooo good. I highly recommend it.

Vilmaaaaa: Alright cool. I’ll have to check it out.

Nola Chick: Have you had a Hurricane?

Vilmaaaaa: I went through Hurricane Andrew.

Nola Chick: What?

Vilmaaaa: What? You asked me if I’ve been in a hurricane right?

Nola Chick: (Through fits of uncontrollable laughter) No, I asked if you had a hurricane, the drink.

Vilmaaaa: Oh, no. No, I haven’t.

Nola Chick: (I pause, as I’m stunned.) You haven’t had a hurricane?  Well I highly advise you get a hurricane…stat.

Vilmaaaa: Oh okay. Well, consider it done.

(Thinking to myself: “Oh Jon, I have so much to teach you.”)

 Jon and I didn’t just talk booze, food, and football. We also talked modeling, money, and Miami. Stay tuned for “part deux” of my Chick Chat with Vilma, coming soon. (Oh yeah, I’m milking this thing for all it’s worth!)

Filed under: Jonathan Vilma, Saints Football, Saints NFL News, chick chat