Jonathan Vilma, Reggie Bush team up with Mayor Mitch Landrieu for hurricane prep

In advising residents this week to get ready for what is predicted to be a busy hurricane season, Mayor Mitch Landrieu got some help from two familiar faces: Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma and running back Reggie Bush.

In a pair of public-service announcements set to air on local TV, the players share the spotlight with the mayor in urging New Orleanians to be prepared.

In nearly identical scripts filmed in the Superdome, the players recommend that residents stock up on bottled water and nonperishable food items, get a battery-powered radio, and make plans to leave town if a hurricane bears down. They suggest using the state's evacuation website, www.getagameplan.org, as a guide.

"Like our New Orleans Saints, we all need a game plan to keep up with hurricane season and to keep our families safe," Landrieu says in the spots.

Though the mayor and the players simply speak to the camera for most of the 30-second commercials, both spots end with Landrieu jogging away from the lens, calling, "Hit me deep, coach."

He catches both passes.

"Not bad, huh? I got game," the mayor quipped after the spots' debut during a news conference Tuesday. "One hand, look at that! Come on, give it to me."

Some of the officials standing with Landrieu were skeptical.

"How many times did they have to edit it?" City Councilwoman Jackie Clarkson asked.

"We did that about a hundred times," the mayor deadpanned.

Council President Arnie Fielkow expressed more confidence in Landrieu, an avid distance runner and cyclist. "Knowing your athletic prowess," Fielkow said, "I don't think there were many takes."

Click here to order Jon Vilma's proCane Rookie Card.



(nola.com)