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|status=Active
|status=Active
|highlights=
|highlights=
⚫
* [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2012 Pro Bowl|2011]])
⚫
* [[All-Pro]] ([[2011 All-Pro Team|2011]])
⚫
* AFC Defensive Player of the Month ([[2012 NFL season|November, 2012]])
* 2× AFC Defensive Player of the Week ([[2011 NFL season|Week 11, 2011]], [[2012 NFL season|Week 12, 2012]])
⚫
* [[National Football League Rookie of the Year Award#AP NFL Defensive Rookies of the Year|AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year]] (2011)
* Freshman All-[[Big 12]] (2007)
* Freshman All-[[Big 12]] (2007)
* NCAA Sacks leader with 18 (2009)
* NCAA Sacks leader with 18 (2009)
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* First-team All-Big 12 (2009, 2010)
* First-team All-Big 12 (2009, 2010)
* [[Butkus Award]] (2010)
* [[Butkus Award]] (2010)
⚫
* [[National Football League Rookie of the Year Award#AP NFL Defensive Rookies of the Year|AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year]] (2011)
⚫
* [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2012 Pro Bowl|2011]])
⚫
* [[All-Pro]] ([[2011 All-Pro Team|2011]])
⚫
* AFC Defensive Player of the Week ([[2011 NFL season|Week 11, 2011]])
|statweek=13
|statweek=13
|statseason=2012
|statseason=2012
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}}
}}


'''Von Miller''' (born March 26, 1989) is an [[American football]] [[linebacker]] for the [[Denver Broncos]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for [[Texas A&M University]], earned [[All-American]] honors twice, and was recognized as the most outstanding college linebacker in the nation. The Broncos drafted him with the second overall pick in the [[2011 NFL Draft]], and he was a [[Pro Bowl]] selection and received [[All-Pro]] honors as an NFL rookie.
'''Von Miller''' (born March 26, 1989) is an [[American football]] [[linebacker]] for the [[Denver Broncos]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for [[Texas A&M University]], earned [[All-American]] honors twice, and was recognized as the most outstanding college linebacker in the nation. The Broncos drafted him with the second overall pick in the [[2011 NFL Draft]], and he was a [[Pro Bowl]] selection and received [[All-Pro]] honors as a rookie.


==Early years==
==Early years==
Miller was born in [[Dallas, Texas]] to parents Von and Gloria Miller. He attended [[DeSoto High School (DeSoto, Texas)|DeSoto High School]] in [[DeSoto, Texas]], where in his junior year 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/miller_von00.html |title=Player Bio: Von Miller |publisher=Texas A&M Official Athletic Site |date= |accessdate=2010-12-19}}</ref> He played with future Aggie teammate [[Cyrus Gray]].<ref>http://www.maxpreps.com/news/vJsLgnF7EeCkhgAcxJSkrA/von-miller-cherishes-dallas-roots-heading-into-nfl-draft.htm</ref>
Miller was born in [[Dallas, Texas]] to parents Von and Gloria Miller. He attended [[DeSoto High School (DeSoto, Texas)|DeSoto High School]] in [[DeSoto, Texas]], where in his junior year 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/miller_von00.html |title=Player Bio: Von Miller |publisher=Texas A&M Official Athletic Site |date= |accessdate=2010-12-19}}</ref> He played with future Aggie teammate [[Cyrus Gray]].<ref>http://www.maxpreps.com/news/vJsLgnF7EeCkhgAcxJSkrA/von-miller-cherishes-dallas-roots-heading-into-nfl-draft.htm</ref>


[[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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Von-Miller-36463 |title=Von Miller Recruiting Profile |publisher=Yahoo! Sports |date=2006-10-31 |accessdate=2010-12-19}}</ref>
[[Rivals.com]] rated Miller as the 29th-best prospect in Texas and the 15th-best weakside linebacker in the nation. Rivals.com listed his weight as 210 pounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Von-Miller-36463 |title=Von Miller Recruiting Profile |publisher=Yahoo! Sports |date=2006-10-31 |accessdate=2010-12-19}}</ref>


==College career==
==College career==
Miller attended [[Texas A&M University]], where he played for the [[Texas A&M Aggies football]] team from 2007 to 2010. As a freshman at [[defensive end]] in 2007, 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.
Miller attended [[Texas A&M University]], where he played for the [[Texas A&M Aggies football]] team from 2007 to 2010. As a freshman at [[defensive end]] in 2007, 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.<ref name=SIapr2011>{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1184409/2/index.htm|title=Locked Out And Loaded | work=CNN | date=2011-04-18}}</ref>
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.<ref name=SIapr2011>{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1184409/2/index.htm|title=Locked Out And Loaded | work=CNN | date=2011-04-18}}</ref>


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.<ref name=FSSW31111>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/03/11/11/Millers-return-to-Texas-AM-the-right-dec/landing_big12.html?blockID=438712&feedID=3742 |title=Miller's return to Texas A&M: the right decision |publisher=Fox Sports Southwest |date=2011-03-11 |accessdate=2011-03-18}}</ref>
As a sophomore in 2008, Miller played at [[weakside linebacker]] under [[Joe Kines]]' [[4–3 defense]]. He 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.<ref name=FSSW31111>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/03/11/11/Millers-return-to-Texas-AM-the-right-dec/landing_big12.html?blockID=438712&feedID=3742 |title=Miller's return to Texas A&M: the right decision |publisher=Fox Sports Southwest |date=2011-03-11 |accessdate=2011-03-18}}</ref>


As a junior 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.<ref name=A2>{{cite news|first=Russ |last=Lande |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/feed/2010-09/draft-dish/story/draft-dish-nevada-qb-colin-kaepernick-moving-up-draft-boards |title=Draft Dish: Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick moving up draft boards |work=Sporting News |date=2010-12-15 |accessdate=2010-12-19}}</ref> 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]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2009-12-15/2009-sporting-news-college-football-all-america-first-team|title=2009 Sporting News college football All-America first team}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/12/15/all-america/index.html|title=SI.com's 2009 All-Americas | work=CNN | date=2009-12-15}}</ref> He became the first Aggie to be named a first team All-American since [[Jason Webster]] in 1999.<ref name=AA82010>{{cite web|url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/aggies/will-aggies-make-it-von-miller-time-886643.html |title=Will Aggies make it Von Miller time? |publisher=Statesman.com |date=2009-11-07 |accessdate=2011-03-18}}</ref> Then-Aggies defensive coordinator [[Joe Kines]] compared Miller to the late [[Derrick Thomas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Von-Miller-runs-a-449.html |title=Von Miller runs a 4.49 |publisher=National Football Post |date=2011-03-09 |accessdate=2011-03-18}}</ref> Miller then studied and watched film of Thomas to familiarize himself with his game.
As a junior 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.<ref name=A2>{{cite news|first=Russ |last=Lande |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/feed/2010-09/draft-dish/story/draft-dish-nevada-qb-colin-kaepernick-moving-up-draft-boards |title=Draft Dish: Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick moving up draft boards |work=Sporting News |date=2010-12-15 |accessdate=2010-12-19}}</ref> 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]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2009-12-15/2009-sporting-news-college-football-all-america-first-team|title=2009 Sporting News college football All-America first team}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/12/15/all-america/index.html|title=SI.com's 2009 All-Americas | work=CNN | date=2009-12-15}}</ref> He became the first Aggie to be named a first team All-American since [[Jason Webster]] in 1999.<ref name=AA82010>{{cite web|url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/aggies/will-aggies-make-it-von-miller-time-886643.html |title=Will Aggies make it Von Miller time? |publisher=Statesman.com |date=2009-11-07 |accessdate=2011-03-18}}</ref> Then-Aggies defensive coordinator [[Joe Kines]] compared Miller to the late [[Derrick Thomas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Von-Miller-runs-a-449.html |title=Von Miller runs a 4.49 |publisher=National Football Post |date=2011-03-09 |accessdate=2011-03-18}}</ref> Miller then studied and watched film of Thomas to familiarize himself with his game.
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Miller, who likely would have been a second round pick in the [[2010 NFL Draft]] had he passed on his senior season,<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/texasam/7310876.html |title=A&M can be thankful it's still Miller time: LB passed up NFL for senior year with Aggies |first=Brent |last=Zwerneman |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |date=November 24, 2010 }}</ref> entered the [[2011 NFL Draft]] regarded as one of the best 3–4 outside linebackers available.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Tony |last=Pauline |title=Bruce Carter, Akeem Ayers headline list of top-10 draft-eligible linebackers |work=Sports Illustrated |date=December 13, 2010 |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/12/13/draft.linebackers/ }}</ref> He was projected to be a top 5 pick by notable draft evaluators.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft |title=NFL Draft 2011 – ESPN |publisher=Espn.go.com |date= |accessdate=2011-03-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/feed/2010-09/draft-dish/story/mock-draft-luck-would-re-energize-panthers-listless-offense |title=Mock Draft: Luck would re-energize Panthers' listless offense |work=Sporting News |first=Russ |last=Lande |date=December 23, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?page=KiperMockDraft3.0 |title=2011 NFL Mock Draft 3.0 |work=ESPN.com |date=March 9, 2011 |first=Mel |last=Kiper }}</ref>
Miller, who likely would have been a second round pick in the [[2010 NFL Draft]] had he passed on his senior season,<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/texasam/7310876.html |title=A&M can be thankful it's still Miller time: LB passed up NFL for senior year with Aggies |first=Brent |last=Zwerneman |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |date=November 24, 2010 }}</ref> entered the [[2011 NFL Draft]] regarded as one of the best 3–4 outside linebackers available.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Tony |last=Pauline |title=Bruce Carter, Akeem Ayers headline list of top-10 draft-eligible linebackers |work=Sports Illustrated |date=December 13, 2010 |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/12/13/draft.linebackers/ }}</ref> He was projected to be a top 5 pick by notable draft evaluators.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft |title=NFL Draft 2011 – ESPN |publisher=Espn.go.com |date= |accessdate=2011-03-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/feed/2010-09/draft-dish/story/mock-draft-luck-would-re-energize-panthers-listless-offense |title=Mock Draft: Luck would re-energize Panthers' listless offense |work=Sporting News |first=Russ |last=Lande |date=December 23, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?page=KiperMockDraft3.0 |title=2011 NFL Mock Draft 3.0 |work=ESPN.com |date=March 9, 2011 |first=Mel |last=Kiper }}</ref>


At the 2011 Senior Bowl, he was the Defensive MVP.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/02/05/miller-at-no-3-makes-sense-for-bills |title=Miller at No. 3 makes sense for Bills |publisher=Pro Football Weekly |date=2011-02-05 |accessdate=2011-03-11}}</ref>
At the 2011 Senior Bowl, Miller was the Defensive MVP.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/02/05/miller-at-no-3-makes-sense-for-bills |title=Miller at No. 3 makes sense for Bills |publisher=Pro Football Weekly |date=2011-02-05 |accessdate=2011-03-11}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Von-Miller-runs-a-449.html |title=Von Miller runs a 4.49 |publisher=National Football Post |date=2011-03-09 |accessdate=2011-03-11}}</ref>
Among linebackers at the 2011 NFL Combine, Miller 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Von-Miller-runs-a-449.html |title=Von Miller runs a 4.49 |publisher=National Football Post |date=2011-03-09 |accessdate=2011-03-11}}</ref>


{{nfl predraft
{{nfl predraft
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====Rookie season====
====Rookie season====
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 (American football)|Andy Dalton]] when the Broncos played the [[Cincinnati Bengals]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_18926225 | work=Denver Post | title=Broncos' McGahee rushes for 101 yards against Bengals | date=2011-09-19}}</ref>
On September 12, 2011, in his first career play from scrimmage, Miller forced a fumble. On September 18, 2011, he had his first sack on [[Andy Dalton (American football)|Andy Dalton]] when the Broncos played the [[Cincinnati Bengals]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_18926225 | work=Denver Post | title=Broncos' McGahee rushes for 101 yards against Bengals | date=2011-09-19}}</ref>


He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the [[New York Jets]].<ref>http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-11-23/denver-broncos-team-report-team-pleased-with-von-millers-development</ref>
Miller was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the [[New York Jets]].<ref>http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-11-23/denver-broncos-team-report-team-pleased-with-von-millers-development</ref>


Miller was selected to the [[2012 Pro Bowl]],<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19626869 | work=Denver Post | first=Lindsay H. | last=Jones | title=Broncos Bailey, Miller, Dumervil make NFL Pro Bowl roster; Tebow an alternate | date=2011-12-27}}</ref> and was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. <ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/broncos-lb-von-miller-wins-2011-ap-defensive-rookie-of-year/2012/02/04/gIQADPvDqQ_story.html | deadurl=yes}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> Overall, in 907 snaps, Von recorded 11.5 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, and 29 quarterback hurries.<ref>http://www.austinchronicle.com/blogs/sports/2012-06-16/the-nfl-beat-awards-shower/</ref> He was fined three times during his rookie season.<ref>http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/39017/von-millers-fine-total-rises</ref>
Miller was selected to the [[2012 Pro Bowl]],<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19626869 | work=Denver Post | first=Lindsay H. | last=Jones | title=Broncos Bailey, Miller, Dumervil make NFL Pro Bowl roster; Tebow an alternate | date=2011-12-27}}</ref> and was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. <ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/broncos-lb-von-miller-wins-2011-ap-defensive-rookie-of-year/2012/02/04/gIQADPvDqQ_story.html | deadurl=yes}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> Overall, in 907 snaps, Von recorded 11.5 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, and 29 quarterback hurries.<ref>http://www.austinchronicle.com/blogs/sports/2012-06-16/the-nfl-beat-awards-shower/</ref> He was fined three times during his rookie season.<ref>http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/39017/von-millers-fine-total-rises</ref>


====2012 season====
====2012 season====
Miller got off to a quick start in his sophomore season, registering 10 sacks in 9 games. In this period, he also recorded 30 quarterback hurries, more than he had during his entire 2011 campaign. Despite the historic play of teammate [[Peyton Manning]], Miller was considered an MVP candidate. On November 16, Miller was fined $21,000 for a hit on [[Carolina Panthers]] quarterback [[Cam Newton]] in Week 10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000095952/article/fines-roundup-tim-dobbins-of-texans-fined-for-jay-cutler-hit|title=Fines roundup: Tim Dobbins of Texans fined for Jay Cutler hit|work=[[National Football League]]|date=2012-11-16|accessdate=2012-11-16}}</ref>
Miller got off to a quick start in his sophomore season, registering 10 sacks in 9 games. In this period, he also recorded 30 quarterback hurries, more than he had during his entire 2011 campaign. Despite the historic play of teammate [[Peyton Manning]], Miller was considered an MVP candidate. On November 16, Miller was fined $21,000 for a hit on [[Carolina Panthers]] quarterback [[Cam Newton]] in Week 10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000095952/article/fines-roundup-tim-dobbins-of-texans-fined-for-jay-cutler-hit|title=Fines roundup: Tim Dobbins of Texans fined for Jay Cutler hit|work=[[National Football League]]|date=2012-11-16|accessdate=2012-11-16}}</ref> He received his second career AFC Defensive Player of the Week honor after recording three sacks and two forced fumbles against the [[San Diego Chargers]] the following week.<ref>http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/21/von-miller-wins-afc-defensive-player-of-the-week-honors/</ref> For his efforts during the month of November, Miller was awarded AFC Defensive Player of the Month.<ref>http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/miller-earns-afc-defensive-player-of-the-month/</ref>


==Personal==
==Personal==
His parents, who were both athletes in high school and college, now own a power supply business.<ref name=SIapr2011/> He has a younger brother named Vins(Vinsynzie).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2011-04-24-von-miller-cover_N.htm|title=Draft stud Von Miller is well-suited for labor fight and NFL | work=USA Today | first=Gary|last=Mihoces|date=2011-04-25}}</ref>
Miller's parents, who were both athletes in high school and college, now own a power supply business.<ref name=SIapr2011/> He has a younger brother named Vins (Vinsynzie).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2011-04-24-von-miller-cover_N.htm|title=Draft stud Von Miller is well-suited for labor fight and NFL | work=USA Today | first=Gary|last=Mihoces|date=2011-04-25}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 13:21, 30 November 2012

Von Miller
refer to caption
Miller in the 2011 NFL season.
Denver Broncos
Personal information
Born: (1989-03-26) March 26, 1989 (age 35)
Dallas, Texas
Career information
College:Texas A&M
NFL draft:2011 / round: 1 / pick: 2
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 13, 2012
Tackles:111
Sacks:25.5
Interceptions:0
Forced Fumbles:6
Stats at Pro Football Reference Edit this at Wikidata

Von Miller (born March 26, 1989) is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Texas A&M University, earned All-American honors twice, and was recognized as the most outstanding college linebacker in the nation. The Broncos drafted him with the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and he was a Pro Bowl selection and received All-Pro honors as a rookie.

Early years

Miller was born in Dallas, Texas to parents Von and Gloria Miller. He attended DeSoto High School in DeSoto, Texas, where in his junior year 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.[1] He played with future Aggie teammate Cyrus Gray.[2]

Rivals.com rated Miller as the 29th-best prospect in Texas and the 15th-best weakside linebacker in the nation. Rivals.com listed his weight as 210 pounds.[3]

College career

Miller attended Texas A&M University, where he played for the Texas A&M Aggies football team from 2007 to 2010. As a freshman at defensive end in 2007, 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.[4]

As a sophomore in 2008, Miller played at weakside linebacker under Joe Kines' 4–3 defense. He 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.[5]

As a junior 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.[6] 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.[7][8] He became the first Aggie to be named a first team All-American since Jason Webster in 1999.[9] Then-Aggies defensive coordinator Joe Kines compared Miller to the late Derrick Thomas.[10] 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.[6] He posted 10.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss.[11] Again he made first-team All-Big 12 honors,[12] and won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker.[13] He was also named a consensus first-team All-American.[14] He received first team All-American honors from Walter Camp, Scout.com, Pro Football Weekly,[15] ESPN.com,[16] and the Associated Press.[17]

Professional career

Pre-draft

Miller, who likely would have been a second round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft had he passed on his senior season,[18] entered the 2011 NFL Draft regarded as one of the best 3–4 outside linebackers available.[19] He was projected to be a top 5 pick by notable draft evaluators.[20][21][22]

At the 2011 Senior Bowl, Miller was the Defensive MVP.[23]

Among linebackers at the 2011 NFL Combine, Miller 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.[24]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press Wonderlic
6 ft 3 in
(1.91 m) 		246 lb
(112 kg) 		33+1⁄2 in
(0.85 m) 		9+1⁄4 in
(0.23 m)		 4.53 s 1.57 s 2.57 s 4.06 s 6.7 s 37 in
(0.94 m)		 10 ft 6 in
(3.20 m)		 21 reps N/A
All values from NFL Combine[25][26]

In March 2011, Miller was selected to represent top flight rookies in the NFL Labor Union talks.[27] He was persuaded by LaDainian Tomlinson to join the lawsuit.[4]

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."[28] 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.[29] 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.[30] 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.[4]

Denver Broncos

Miller was drafted by the Denver Broncos second overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. He was the highest selected linebacker since LaVar Arrington went No. 2 to the Washington Redskins in 2000. He also become the Aggies' highest draft pick since Quentin Coryatt, who was selected second overall in 1992.[31] The selection of Miller surprised certain experts. Denver was switching from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense, a defense which seemed counter-intuitive to Miller's strengths. 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."[32]

On July 28, 2011, Miller officially signed with the Denver Broncos. He wears #58 in honor of his favorite football player, late former Chiefs player and Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas.[33]

Rookie season

On September 12, 2011, in his first career play from scrimmage, Miller forced a fumble. On September 18, 2011, he had his first sack on Andy Dalton when the Broncos played the Cincinnati Bengals.[34]

Miller was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the New York Jets.[35]

Miller was selected to the 2012 Pro Bowl,[36] and was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. [37] Overall, in 907 snaps, Von recorded 11.5 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, and 29 quarterback hurries.[38] He was fined three times during his rookie season.[39]

2012 season

Miller got off to a quick start in his sophomore season, registering 10 sacks in 9 games. In this period, he also recorded 30 quarterback hurries, more than he had during his entire 2011 campaign. Despite the historic play of teammate Peyton Manning, Miller was considered an MVP candidate. On November 16, Miller was fined $21,000 for a hit on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in Week 10.[40] He received his second career AFC Defensive Player of the Week honor after recording three sacks and two forced fumbles against the San Diego Chargers the following week.[41] For his efforts during the month of November, Miller was awarded AFC Defensive Player of the Month.[42]

Personal

Miller's parents, who were both athletes in high school and college, now own a power supply business.[4] He has a younger brother named Vins (Vinsynzie).[43]

References

  1. ^ "Player Bio: Von Miller". Texas A&M Official Athletic Site. Retrieved 2010-12-19.
  2. ^ http://www.maxpreps.com/news/vJsLgnF7EeCkhgAcxJSkrA/von-miller-cherishes-dallas-roots-heading-into-nfl-draft.htm
  3. ^ "Von Miller Recruiting Profile". Yahoo! Sports. 2006-10-31. Retrieved 2010-12-19.
  4. ^ a b c d "Locked Out And Loaded". CNN. 2011-04-18.
  5. ^ "Miller's return to Texas A&M: the right decision". Fox Sports Southwest. 2011-03-11. Retrieved 2011-03-18.
  6. ^ a b Lande, Russ (2010-12-15). "Draft Dish: Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick moving up draft boards". Sporting News. Retrieved 2010-12-19.
  7. ^ "2009 Sporting News college football All-America first team".
  8. ^ "SI.com's 2009 All-Americas". CNN. 2009-12-15.
  9. ^ "Will Aggies make it Von Miller time?". Statesman.com. 2009-11-07. Retrieved 2011-03-18.
  10. ^ "Von Miller runs a 4.49". National Football Post. 2011-03-09. Retrieved 2011-03-18.
  11. ^ Herndon, Mike (2011-01-28). "It's Von Miller's time to shine at Senior Bowl". Mobile Press-Register. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  12. ^ "All-Big 12 Football Awards Announced – Big 12 Conference – Official Athletic Site". Big12sports.com. 2010-11-30. Retrieved 2010-12-19.
  13. ^ "A&M's Von Miller wins Butkus Award". AggieSports.com. 2010-12-08. Retrieved 2010-12-19.
  14. ^ "College Football's 2010 Consensus All-Americans". NCAAfootball.fanhouse.com. 2010-12-20. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  15. ^ "PFW's 2010 All-America team". Pro Football Weekly. 2010-12-21. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  16. ^ "ESPN.com's 2010 All-American Team". ESPN. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  17. ^ "AP All-America Team, List". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved 2010-12-19.
  18. ^ Zwerneman, Brent (November 24, 2010). "A&M can be thankful it's still Miller time: LB passed up NFL for senior year with Aggies". Houston Chronicle.
  19. ^ Pauline, Tony (December 13, 2010). "Bruce Carter, Akeem Ayers headline list of top-10 draft-eligible linebackers". Sports Illustrated.
  20. ^ "NFL Draft 2011 – ESPN". Espn.go.com. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  21. ^ Lande, Russ (December 23, 2010). "Mock Draft: Luck would re-energize Panthers' listless offense". Sporting News.
  22. ^ Kiper, Mel (March 9, 2011). "2011 NFL Mock Draft 3.0". ESPN.com.
  23. ^ "Miller at No. 3 makes sense for Bills". Pro Football Weekly. 2011-02-05. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  24. ^ "Von Miller runs a 4.49". National Football Post. 2011-03-09. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  25. ^ Davis, Nate (2011-02-28). "OLB Von Miller justifying NFL draft stock with strong combine". USA Today. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  26. ^ "Von Miller cements his top billing". NFL.com Blogs. 2011-02-28. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  27. ^ Williamson, Bill. "Will Von Miller be blackballed?". ESPN, AFC West Blog. Retrieved 2011-03-18.
  28. ^ "Maiocco: Should 49ers be wary of A&M LB Miller at No. 7?". CSNBayArea.com. 2011-03-08. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  29. ^ Williams, Charean (2011-03-09). "Texas A&M product Von Miller continues to impress NFL scouts". Fort Worth Star Telegram. Retrieved 2011-03-18.
  30. ^ "news: Defensive players lead the way on list of top 32 prospects". NFL.com. Retrieved 2011-03-18.
  31. ^ Zwerneman, Brent (March 2, 2011). "Hurdling serves Miller well: Star survives many pitfalls by clearing obstacles". Houston Chronicle.
  32. ^ http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/40289/john-elway-suddenly-likes-no-58
  33. ^ http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/31756/rookie-lb-centerpiece-of-elways-broncos
  34. ^ "Broncos' McGahee rushes for 101 yards against Bengals". Denver Post. 2011-09-19.
  35. ^ http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-11-23/denver-broncos-team-report-team-pleased-with-von-millers-development
  36. ^ Jones, Lindsay H. (2011-12-27). "Broncos Bailey, Miller, Dumervil make NFL Pro Bowl roster; Tebow an alternate". Denver Post.
  37. ^ http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/broncos-lb-von-miller-wins-2011-ap-defensive-rookie-of-year/2012/02/04/gIQADPvDqQ_story.html. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help) [dead link]
  38. ^ http://www.austinchronicle.com/blogs/sports/2012-06-16/the-nfl-beat-awards-shower/
  39. ^ http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/39017/von-millers-fine-total-rises
  40. ^ "Fines roundup: Tim Dobbins of Texans fined for Jay Cutler hit". National Football League. 2012-11-16. Retrieved 2012-11-16.
  41. ^ http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/21/von-miller-wins-afc-defensive-player-of-the-week-honors/
  42. ^ http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/miller-earns-afc-defensive-player-of-the-month/
  43. ^ Mihoces, Gary (2011-04-25). "Draft stud Von Miller is well-suited for labor fight and NFL". USA Today.

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