Justin Miller (American football) facts for kids

Justin Matthew Miller, born on February 14, 1984, is a former American professional football player. He played as a cornerback and return specialist for six seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Clemson Tigers, he was chosen by the New York Jets in the 2005 NFL draft. He played for the Jets, the Oakland Raiders, and the Detroit Lions. In 2006, he was selected for the Pro Bowl while with the Jets.

Early Life and High School Sports

Justin Miller grew up in Owensboro, Kentucky, and went to Owensboro High School. He was a top athlete in both football and track. In football, he was named All-State, All-Area, All-Conference, and All-Region twice. As a senior, he received an honorable mention as an All-American by USA Today. Experts rated him as one of the best players in Kentucky. He was also considered a top athlete and cornerback in the country.

In track, Miller was a state champion in the long jump during his junior year. He also ran the 100 meter dash very quickly, with a personal best time of 10.48 seconds. Miller helped his high school football team reach two state championship games. He was a great Tail Back and even played as a Quarterback sometimes.

College Football Career

Justin Miller played college football for the Clemson Tigers at Clemson University from 2001 to 2004. He was a starting player for three years. Miller decided to enter the NFL draft early, before finishing all four years of college.

During his time at Clemson, Miller caught 13 interceptions. As a freshman, he set a record by getting eight interceptions in one season. He also set an NCAA record against Florida State. In that game, he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and gained 282 return yards.

Professional Football Journey

Playing for the New York Jets (First Time)

The New York Jets drafted Justin Miller in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft. He was the 25th pick overall. As a rookie, Miller quickly became known for his skills as a kick returner. He gained 1,577 yards from kick returns, averaging 26.3 yards per return, and scored one touchdown.

In 2006, Miller's average kick return was even better, at 30.1 yards, and he scored two touchdowns. On October 1, 2006, in a game against the Indianapolis Colts, Miller made history. He scored a 103-yard touchdown from a kick return, which was the longest in Jets history at that time. Because of his amazing performance, Miller was chosen for the Pro Bowl as the AFC's kick returner. During the 2007 Pro Bowl events, Miller also won the "Fastest Man Competition."

On September 18, 2007, the Jets placed Miller on injured reserve because of a knee injury. This injury ended his season. The Jets later released Miller on November 11, 2008.

Time with the Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders picked up Justin Miller on November 12, 2008. In a Thursday Night Football game against the San Diego Chargers, Miller had an exciting 92-yard kick return for a touchdown. The very next week, he ran another kick back for a touchdown, this time for 91 yards, against the New England Patriots. For his great play in December, Miller was named the NFL Special Teams Player of the Month.

After visiting the Tennessee Titans, Justin Miller signed a two-year contract with the Oakland Raiders. However, he was released on September 5, 2009. He was re-signed by the Raiders on September 30, 2009, but then released again on October 7.

Back with the New York Jets (Second Time)

On October 27, 2009, the New York Jets signed Miller again. He was expected to take over as the team's kick returner. This was because Leon Washington, the previous kick returner, had a season-ending injury. However, Miller was waived by the Jets on November 28, 2009.

Short Stints with Other Teams

Miller signed with the Arizona Cardinals on May 3, 2010. He competed for the starting kick return spot but was released on September 3, 2010. After not playing football for two years, Miller signed with the Detroit Lions in 2012. He was released on August 31, 2012, but then re-signed on October 22, 2012. He was released again on October 30, 2012.

NFL Career Statistics

Here are some of Justin Miller's statistics from his NFL career:

Key to Statistics

• GP: Games Played (how many games he played in)
• COMB: Combined Tackles (total tackles he made)
• TOTAL: Total Tackles (tackles where he was the only one)
• AST: Assisted Tackles (tackles where he helped another player)
• SACK: Sacks (tackling the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage)
• FF: Forced Fumbles (making an opponent drop the ball)
• FR: Fumble Recoveries (picking up a dropped ball)
• FR YDS: Fumble Return Yards (yards gained after recovering a fumble)
• INT: Interceptions (catching a pass meant for an opponent)
• IR YDS: Interception Return Yards (yards gained after an interception)
• AVG IR: Average Interception Return (average yards per interception return)
• LNG: Longest Interception Return (his longest interception return)
• TD: Interceptions Returned for Touchdown (scoring a touchdown after an interception)
• PD: Passes Defensed (breaking up a pass attempt)