Von Miller
Encyclopedia
Von Miller is an American football
linebacker
for the Denver Broncos
of the National Football League
. He was drafted second overall by the Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft
. He played college football
at Texas A&M
.
As a junior at Texas A&M, he led the nation in sacks (17). He compiled another 10.5 sacks his senior year. Over his last two seasons as an Aggie, he recorded 27.5 sacks and 39.5 tackles for loss. He received first team All-American honors for both seasons; as a senior, he was a consensus first team All-American. He also won the Butkus Award, given to the nation's top linebacker.
to parents Von and Gloria Miller. He attended DeSoto High School
, as a junior he recorded 37 tackles, 7 sacks, 14 tackles for loss (TFL) and 12 quarterback hurries. As a senior, he was named the District 8-5A Defensive MVP after making 76 tackles, 6 sacks, and 14 TFL. He played with future Aggie teammates Tony Jerod-Eddie, Cyrus Gray
, and Garrick Williams.
Rivals.com
rated him as the 29th-best prospect in Texas and the 15th-best weakside linebacker in the nation. Rivals.com listed his weight as 210 pounds.
, he was named Freshman All-Big 12 by The Sporting News
after posting 22 tackles, including 10 solo stops. He recorded two sacks, four tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. He played in a 4-2-5 defense. He weighed 220 pounds during his freshman year.
In the spring of 2008, newly hired head coach Mike Sherman
was discouraged by Miller's habits of skipping class and failing to produce during practice. Sherman decided to suspend Miller for that spring. Disappointed, Miller considered transferring, but upon his father's insistence, stayed. Miller then adopted a more serious attitude.
As a sophomore in 2008, he played at weakside linebacker under Joe Kines
' 4–3 defense. Miller saw action in all 12 games, making 44 tackles, including 25 solo stops, and leading the team with 3.5 sacks. He made 7.5 tackles for loss, forced a pair of fumbles, and recovered two more. His role was more confined to pass coverage, as opposed to rushing the quarterback, thus he wasn't able to showcase his pass-rushing abilities. In the final seven Big 12 games, he compiled just eight tackles.
In 2009, Miller adopted the role of the jack position, a defensive end/linebacker hybrid, which allowed him to utilize his pass rushing abilities. He enjoyed a breakout season for the Aggies, leading the nation in sacks with 17 and ranking fourth in the nation with 21 tackles for loss. For his efforts, Von Miller was named first team All Big-12 at defensive end
and was named a first-team All-American by Sporting News and Sports Illustrated
. He became the first Aggie to be named a first team All-American since Jason Webster
in 1999. Then-Aggies defensive coordinator Joe Kines
compared Miller to the late Derrick Thomas
. Miller then studied and watched film of Thomas to familiarize himself with his game.
In 2010, Miller switched to playing as a 3–4 outside linebacker under Tim DeRuyter
's defense. Early in the season, Miller suffered a high ankle sprain, that held him back for the first six games. He posted 10.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. Again he made first-team All-Big 12 honors, and won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker. He was also named a consensus first-team All-American. He received first team All-American honors from Walter Camp
, Scout.com
, Pro Football Weekly
, ESPN.com
, and the Associated Press
.
had he passed on his senior season, entered the 2011 NFL Draft
regarded as one of the best 3–4 outside linebackers available. He was projected to be a top 5 pick by notable draft evaluators.
At the 2011 Senior Bowl, he was the Defensive MVP.
Among linebackers at the 2011 NFL Combine, he ranked 2nd in the 40-yard dash, 3rd in the vertical jump, 1st in the broad jump, 3rd in the 20-yard shuttle, T-1st in the 3-cone drill, and 1st in the 60-yard shuttle. His 11.15-second 60-yard shuttle broke the combine linebacker record. At the Texas A&M Pro Day in March 2011, Miller ran a 4.49 40-yard dash.
In March 2011, Miller was selected to represent top flight rookies in the NFL Labor Union talks. He was persuaded by LaDainian Tomlinson
to join the lawsuit.
In March 2011, Dave Razzano, a former NFL scout with 20 years of experience, compared Miller to Vernon Gholston
. Gholston was drafted sixth overall by the New York Jets in 2008, but failed to record a sack in 42 games, and was later released. In regards to Miller, Razzano stated: "In looking at Big-12 tape, he does not have a motor. He doesn't chase hard. They run at him, and he doesn't fight off blockers. When he gets sacks, a lot of times he's not getting blocked. He's a one-move guy." During the Texas A&M Pro Day, however, one scout compared him to Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas
, while Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer
compared him to Cardinals linebacker Joey Porter
. NFL Network Analyst Mike Mayock
, who rated Miller as the second-best player in the draft, stated that Miller reminds him of a smaller version of DeMarcus Ware
. Miller's then-personal trainer, Dan Brandenburg, who also worked with first round picks Clay Matthews III
and Sean Weatherspoon
, stated Miller is the best athlete of all three.
second overall in the 2011 NFL Draft
. He is the highest selected linebacker since LaVar Arrington
went No. 2 to the Washington Redskins
in the 2000 draft
. He also become the Aggies' highest draft pick since Quentin Coryatt
, who was selected second overall in 1992
. Former Broncos quarterback John Elway
, who is also the executive vice president of the franchise, said "[Miller's] a type of guy that comes around every 10 years."
On July 28, 2011, Miller officially signed with the Denver Broncos. He wears number 58 in honor of his favorite football player, former Kansas City Chiefs
player and Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas
.
On September 12, 2011, in his first career play from scrimmage, Von forced a fumble. On September 18, 2011, he had his first sack on Andy Dalton
when the Broncos played the Cincinnati Bengals
.
He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the New York Jets
.
Miller is a candidate for Defensive rookie of the year.
fan. Prior to the draft, he aspired to play for the Cowboys.
He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Von Miller I. His parents, who were both athletes in high school and college, now own a power supply business. He has a younger brother named Vince.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
linebacker
Linebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
for the Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. He was drafted second overall by the Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft
2011 NFL Draft
The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players...
. He played college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
at Texas A&M
Texas A&M Aggies football
The Texas A&M Aggies football team represents Texas A&M University in college football. The Aggies have competed in the Big 12 Conference since the conference's inception in 1996. They will join the Southeastern Conference in July 2012. Texas A&M football has earned one national title and 18...
.
As a junior at Texas A&M, he led the nation in sacks (17). He compiled another 10.5 sacks his senior year. Over his last two seasons as an Aggie, he recorded 27.5 sacks and 39.5 tackles for loss. He received first team All-American honors for both seasons; as a senior, he was a consensus first team All-American. He also won the Butkus Award, given to the nation's top linebacker.
Early years
Miller was born in Dallas, TexasDallas, Texas
Dallas is the third-largest city in Texas and the ninth-largest in the United States. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the largest metropolitan area in the South and fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States...
to parents Von and Gloria Miller. He attended DeSoto High School
DeSoto High School (DeSoto, Texas)
DeSoto High School is a public school in DeSoto, Texas, United States. It is part of the DeSoto Independent School District. It is located at 600 Eagle Drive - History :...
, as a junior he recorded 37 tackles, 7 sacks, 14 tackles for loss (TFL) and 12 quarterback hurries. As a senior, he was named the District 8-5A Defensive MVP after making 76 tackles, 6 sacks, and 14 TFL. He played with future Aggie teammates Tony Jerod-Eddie, Cyrus Gray
Cyrus Gray
Cyrus Danall Gray is an American football running back for the Texas A&M Aggies. He is considered one of the best running back prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft.-College career:...
, and Garrick Williams.
Rivals.com
Rivals.com
Rivals.com is a network of websites that focus mainly on college football and basketball recruiting. The network was started in 1996 and currently employs more than 300 personnel.-Schools:The individual collegiate sites can be found...
rated him as the 29th-best prospect in Texas and the 15th-best weakside linebacker in the nation. Rivals.com listed his weight as 210 pounds.
College career
In 2007, as a freshman at defensive endDefensive end
Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
, he was named Freshman All-Big 12 by The Sporting News
The Sporting News
Sporting News is an American-based sports magazine. It was established in 1886, and it became the dominant American publication covering baseball — so much so that it acquired the nickname "The Bible of Baseball"...
after posting 22 tackles, including 10 solo stops. He recorded two sacks, four tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. He played in a 4-2-5 defense. He weighed 220 pounds during his freshman year.
In the spring of 2008, newly hired head coach Mike Sherman
Mike Sherman
Michael Francis "Mike" Sherman is the head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies football team. Prior to coaching the Aggies, he served as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers from the 2000–05 seasons. Sherman led the Packers to five consecutive winning seasons from 2000–04 and three divisional titles...
was discouraged by Miller's habits of skipping class and failing to produce during practice. Sherman decided to suspend Miller for that spring. Disappointed, Miller considered transferring, but upon his father's insistence, stayed. Miller then adopted a more serious attitude.
As a sophomore in 2008, he played at weakside linebacker under Joe Kines
Joe Kines
-External links:...
' 4–3 defense. Miller saw action in all 12 games, making 44 tackles, including 25 solo stops, and leading the team with 3.5 sacks. He made 7.5 tackles for loss, forced a pair of fumbles, and recovered two more. His role was more confined to pass coverage, as opposed to rushing the quarterback, thus he wasn't able to showcase his pass-rushing abilities. In the final seven Big 12 games, he compiled just eight tackles.
In 2009, Miller adopted the role of the jack position, a defensive end/linebacker hybrid, which allowed him to utilize his pass rushing abilities. He enjoyed a breakout season for the Aggies, leading the nation in sacks with 17 and ranking fourth in the nation with 21 tackles for loss. For his efforts, Von Miller was named first team All Big-12 at defensive end
Defensive end
Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
and was named a first-team All-American by Sporting News and Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
. He became the first Aggie to be named a first team All-American since Jason Webster
Jason Webster
Jason Richmond Webster is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
in 1999. Then-Aggies defensive coordinator Joe Kines
Joe Kines
-External links:...
compared Miller to the late Derrick Thomas
Derrick Thomas
Derrick Vincent Thomas , nicknamed D.T., was an American football linebacker and defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League . He played his entire 11-year career for the Chiefs after being drafted fourth overall in the 1989 NFL Draft...
. Miller then studied and watched film of Thomas to familiarize himself with his game.
In 2010, Miller switched to playing as a 3–4 outside linebacker under Tim DeRuyter
Tim DeRuyter
Timothy James DeRuyter is the defensive coordinator/assistant head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies college football team.-Early years:A native of Long Beach, California, DeRuyter attended St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower and graduated in 1981. He played college football at Air Force from...
's defense. Early in the season, Miller suffered a high ankle sprain, that held him back for the first six games. He posted 10.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. Again he made first-team All-Big 12 honors, and won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker. He was also named a consensus first-team All-American. He received first team All-American honors from Walter Camp
Walter Camp Football Foundation
The Walter Camp Football Foundation is one of the organizations whose College Football All-America Team is recognized by the NCAA. The organization also presents various awards.-Awards:*Walter Camp Player of the Year*CT Player of the Year...
, Scout.com
Scout.com
Scout.com is an integrated sports publishing company that produces both an Internet and print product. Scout has more than 2.1 million visitors...
, Pro Football Weekly
Pro Football Weekly
Pro Football Weekly is an American sports magazine, founded in 1967, that covers the National Football League...
, ESPN.com
ESPN.com
ESPN.com is the official website of ESPN and a division of ESPN Inc. Since launching in 1995 as ESPNet.SportsZone.com, the website has developed numerous sections including: Page 2, SportsNation, ESPN 3.com, ESPN Motion, My ESPN, ESPN Sports Travel, ESPN Video Games, ESPN Insider, ESPN.com's...
, and the Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
.
Pre-draft
Miller, who likely would have been a second round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft2010 NFL Draft
The 2010 NFL Draft was the 75th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. Unlike previous years, the 2010 draft took place over three days, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with the first round on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at 7:30 pm...
had he passed on his senior season, entered the 2011 NFL Draft
2011 NFL Draft
The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players...
regarded as one of the best 3–4 outside linebackers available. He was projected to be a top 5 pick by notable draft evaluators.
At the 2011 Senior Bowl, he was the Defensive MVP.
Among linebackers at the 2011 NFL Combine, he ranked 2nd in the 40-yard dash, 3rd in the vertical jump, 1st in the broad jump, 3rd in the 20-yard shuttle, T-1st in the 3-cone drill, and 1st in the 60-yard shuttle. His 11.15-second 60-yard shuttle broke the combine linebacker record. At the Texas A&M Pro Day in March 2011, Miller ran a 4.49 40-yard dash.
In March 2011, Miller was selected to represent top flight rookies in the NFL Labor Union talks. He was persuaded by LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
to join the lawsuit.
In March 2011, Dave Razzano, a former NFL scout with 20 years of experience, compared Miller to Vernon Gholston
Vernon Gholston
Vernon Gholston is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Ohio State and was drafted sixth overall by the New York Jets in the 2008 NFL Draft....
. Gholston was drafted sixth overall by the New York Jets in 2008, but failed to record a sack in 42 games, and was later released. In regards to Miller, Razzano stated: "In looking at Big-12 tape, he does not have a motor. He doesn't chase hard. They run at him, and he doesn't fight off blockers. When he gets sacks, a lot of times he's not getting blocked. He's a one-move guy." During the Texas A&M Pro Day, however, one scout compared him to Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas
Derrick Thomas
Derrick Vincent Thomas , nicknamed D.T., was an American football linebacker and defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League . He played his entire 11-year career for the Chiefs after being drafted fourth overall in the 1989 NFL Draft...
, while Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer
Mike Zimmer
Mike Zimmer is the Defensive Coordinator for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals. He is the son of former NFL player Bill Zimmer and the father of Adam Zimmer, the Defensive Assistant/Linebackers for the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.-Playing career:In high school, Zimmer was a successful...
compared him to Cardinals linebacker Joey Porter
Joey Porter
Joseph "Joey" Eugene Porter is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Colorado State.A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Porter earned a...
. NFL Network Analyst Mike Mayock
Mike Mayock
Michael Francis Mayock is a former professional football player, a safety with the New York Giants of the National Football League...
, who rated Miller as the second-best player in the draft, stated that Miller reminds him of a smaller version of DeMarcus Ware
Demarcus Ware
DeMarcus Ware is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted with the 11th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft out of Troy University...
. Miller's then-personal trainer, Dan Brandenburg, who also worked with first round picks Clay Matthews III
Clay Matthews III
William Clay Matthews III is an American football linebacker for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Packers 26th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Southern California.-Early years:Matthews was born in the Los...
and Sean Weatherspoon
Sean Weatherspoon
Franklin De'Sean "Sean" Weatherspoon is an American football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played college football at University of Missouri...
, stated Miller is the best athlete of all three.
Denver Broncos
Miller was drafted by the Denver BroncosDenver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
second overall in the 2011 NFL Draft
2011 NFL Draft
The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players...
. He is the highest selected linebacker since LaVar Arrington
LaVar Arrington
LaVar RaShad Arrington is a former American football linebacker of the National Football League. He was drafted second overall by the Washington Redskins in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Penn State for coach Joe Paterno.A two-time All-American at Penn State, Arrington played...
went No. 2 to the Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
in the 2000 draft
2000 NFL Draft
The 2000 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur U.S. college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 15–16, 2000...
. He also become the Aggies' highest draft pick since Quentin Coryatt
Quentin Coryatt
Quentin John Coryatt is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League who played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Dallas Cowboys between 1992 and 1999.-Early years:...
, who was selected second overall in 1992
1992 NFL Draft
The 1992 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 26–27, 1992. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft...
. Former Broncos quarterback John Elway
John Elway
John Albert Elway, Jr. is a former American football quarterback and currently is the executive vice president of football operations for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He played college football at Stanford and his entire professional career with the Denver Broncos...
, who is also the executive vice president of the franchise, said "[Miller's] a type of guy that comes around every 10 years."
On July 28, 2011, Miller officially signed with the Denver Broncos. He wears number 58 in honor of his favorite football player, former Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
player and Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas
Derrick Thomas
Derrick Vincent Thomas , nicknamed D.T., was an American football linebacker and defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League . He played his entire 11-year career for the Chiefs after being drafted fourth overall in the 1989 NFL Draft...
.
On September 12, 2011, in his first career play from scrimmage, Von forced a fumble. On September 18, 2011, he had his first sack on Andy Dalton
Andy Dalton (American football)
Andrew Gregory Dalton is an American professional football quarterback for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football at Texas Christian University...
when the Broncos played the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
.
He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
Miller is a candidate for Defensive rookie of the year.
Personal
A Dallas native, Miller grew up a Dallas CowboysDallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
fan. Prior to the draft, he aspired to play for the Cowboys.
He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Von Miller I. His parents, who were both athletes in high school and college, now own a power supply business. He has a younger brother named Vince.