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NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Former New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma has formally retired from the NFL, more than a year after playing his last game.
Vilma, who made the announcement in conjunction with the Saints before Sunday's game against Carolina, says he's fortunate to retire as a member of the club with which he won a Super Bowl in the 2009 season.
Vilma began his NFL career with the New York Jets, who drafted him out of Miami in 2004. The Saints traded for Vilma in 2008, and he remained with New Orleans six seasons. He hasn't played since finishing the 2013 season on injured reserve because of chronic knee problems. He played in 125 NFL games, posting 990 total tackles, 10 ½ sacks, 12 interceptions, 11 forced fumbles and 10 fumble recoveries.
He also was at the center of the Saints' 2012 bounty scandal, but successfully appealed his suspension.
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