NEW YORK (Jan. 25, 2006) -- Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma will replace Zach Thomas of the Dolphins in the Pro Bowl.
Thomas, who was selected for his fifth Pro Bowl, pulled out after battling shoulder and ankle injuries late in the season. Vilma, the 2004 Defensive Rookie of the Year, led the NFL in tackles with 173 and will be making his first trip to the all-star game.
Vilma joins cornerback Ty Law as the only Jets to make the Pro Bowl roster.
"It's an honor for me to be selected to play in the Pro Bowl," Vilma said in a statement. "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."
The Pro Bowl is Feb. 12 in Honolulu.
