New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma returns to give team an emotional spark
 

Tampa, Fla. - Recently activated New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma didn't fill up the stat sheet in his 2012 debut on Sunday afternoon during the Saints' 35-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

But the former Pro Bowl player and team captain had a major impact on the Saints' emotional state.

The day before he stepped back onto the field for an NFL game for the first time since the Saints lost in the 2011 playoffs to San Francisco, Vilma gave his teammates an impassioned speech that some players said mentally prepared them to win their second straight game.

"He spoke to the team last night," Saints receiver Lance Moore said. "To see his emotion and passion, if nothing else we wanted to win this game for him. Obviously, he has been going through a tough situation. Just to have him back was great incentive to go out there and give our all. And luckily we came up with the win.

"He had us ready to go, I can tell you that much."

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Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma returns to give team an emotional spark
 

Hey, Ray Lewis can kill a person and still be team leader. I believe Vilma can too! Lead the team, that is.

Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma returns to give team an emotional spark
 

Give him 3-4 weeks to get some "game legs" and he should be fine.
Goody may have something to say by then.

Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma returns to give team an emotional spark
 

It was great to see Johnny V out there.