Von Miller facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids
Von Miller

Miller with the Denver Broncos in 2018

No. 40 – Buffalo Bills

Position:

Linebacker

Personal information

Born:

March 26, 1989 (age 36)
DeSoto, Texas, U.S.

Height:

6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)

Weight:

250 lb (113 kg)

Career information

High school:

DeSoto (TX)

College:

Texas A&M (2007–2010)

NFL Draft:

2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2

Career history

Denver Broncos (2011)
Los Angeles Rams (2021)
Buffalo Bills (2022–present)

Roster status:

Active

Career highlights and awards

2× Super Bowl champion (50, LVI)
Super Bowl MVP (50)
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2011)
3× First-team All-Pro (2012, 2015, 2016)
4× Second-team All-Pro (2011, 2014, 2017, 2018)
8× Pro Bowl (2011, 2012, 2014–2019)
NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
Butkus Award (pro) (2012)
PFWA All-Rookie Team (2011)
Butkus Award (college) (2010)
Jack Lambert Trophy (2010)
Consensus All-American (2010)
First-team All-American (2009)
2× First-team All-Big 12 (2009, 2010)

NFL record

Most career sacks in the Super Bowl: 4.5 (tied)

Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2024

Total tackles:	581
Sacks:	129.5
Forced fumbles:	27
Fumble recoveries:	9
Pass deflections:	24
Interceptions:	2
Defensive touchdowns:	2

Player stats at PFR

Vonnie B'VSean Miller (born March 26, 1989) is an American professional football player. He plays as a linebacker for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). Miller played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies. There, he was recognized as an All-American and won the Butkus Award. The Denver Broncos chose him as the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

Miller has been chosen for the Pro Bowl eight times. He has also been named first-team All-Pro three times and second-team All-Pro four times. As of 2023, he has more career sacks than any other active player. He also holds the record for most career sacks in Broncos history with 110.5. After the 2015 NFL season, Miller was named Super Bowl MVP for his amazing performance in Super Bowl 50. In 2021, Miller was traded to the Los Angeles Rams. He helped the team win Super Bowl LVI.

Early Life and High School Football

Von Miller was born on March 26, 1989, in DeSoto, Texas. This town is a suburb of Dallas. He went to DeSoto High School. There, he played for the DeSoto Eagles football team. He also ran track.

In his junior year, he made 37 tackles and 7 sacks. As a senior, he was named the best defensive player in his district. He made 76 tackles and 6 sacks that year. He also competed in track and field events. These included hurdles, triple jump, and javelin throw.

Experts like Rivals.com saw Miller as a top football player. He was ranked as the 15th best weakside defensive end in the country in 2007. He chose to play for Texas A&M. He had offers from other big schools like Florida and LSU.

College Career at Texas A&M

Miller played for the Texas A&M Aggies football team from 2007 to 2010. As a freshman in 2007, he played as a defensive end. He made 22 tackles and 2 sacks. He was named Freshman All-Big 12 by The Sporting News.

In 2008, Miller played as a weakside linebacker. He made 44 tackles and 3.5 sacks. His main job was to cover passes, not rush the quarterback.

In 2009, Miller's role changed. He became a "jack position" player, a mix of defensive end and linebacker. This let him use his skills to rush the quarterback. He had a fantastic season, leading the country with 17 sacks. He also had 21 tackles for loss. He was named first-team All-Big 12 and a first-team All-American. He was the first Aggie player since 1999 to be named a first-team All-American.

In 2010, Miller switched to playing as a 3–4 outside linebacker. He hurt his ankle early in the season. This kept him from playing his best for the first six games. Still, he finished with 10.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. He again made first-team All-Big 12 honors. He also won the Butkus Award as the best linebacker in the nation. He was named a first-team All-American by many groups. Miller studied poultry science in college. He even raises chickens in his free time!

College Statistics

Season	Team	Class	Pos	GP	Tackles					Interceptions					Fumbles
Season	Team	Class	Pos	GP	Cmb	Solo	Ast	TfL	Sck	Int	Yds	Avg	TD	PD	FF	FR	Yds	TD
2007	Texas A&M	FR	DL	9	22	10	12	4.0	2.0	0	0	0.0	0	0	1	0	0	0
2008	Texas A&M	SO	DL	12	44	25	19	7.5	3.5	0	0	0.0	0	0	2	0	0	0
2009	Texas A&M	JR	DL	13	47	31	16	21.5	17.0	0	0	0.0	0	5	4	0	0	0
2010	Texas A&M	SR	LB	13	68	38	30	17.5	10.5	1	3	3.0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Career				47	181	104	77	50.5	33.0	1	3	3.0	0	5	7	0	0	0

Professional Career Highlights

Joining the NFL

Before the 2011 NFL Draft, experts thought Miller would be a top five pick. At the 2011 Senior Bowl, he was named the Defensive MVP. He showed off his amazing athletic skills at the NFL Combine. He broke a record for linebackers in the 60-yard shuttle.

Pre-draft measurables
Height	Weight	Arm length	Hand size	40-yard dash	10-yard split	20-yard split	20-yard shuttle	Three-cone drill	Vertical jump	Broad jump	Bench press
6 ft 2+5⁄8 in (1.90 m)	246 lb (112 kg)	33+1⁄2 in (0.85 m)	9+1⁄4 in (0.23 m)	4.53 s	1.62 s	2.64 s	4.06 s	6.70 s	37 in (0.94 m)	10 ft 6 in (3.20 m)	21 reps
All values from NFL Combine

Miller with the Broncos in 2011

Miller signing autographs for U.S. troops in Kyrgyzstan in March 2013

Some scouts compared Miller to famous players like Derrick Thomas and DeMarcus Ware. His trainer said Miller was the best athlete he had ever worked with.

Denver Broncos (2011–2021)

The Denver Broncos picked Miller second overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. This was a big surprise to some experts. The Broncos were changing their defense, and some thought it wouldn't fit Miller's style. But John Elway, a Broncos legend, said Miller was a special player who comes along "every 10 years." Miller signed his first NFL contract on July 28, 2011. He chose to wear number 58 to honor Derrick Thomas.

Rookie Season (2011)

In his very first play, Miller forced a fumble against the Oakland Raiders. He got his first sack a week later against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 11. The Broncos made the playoffs that year. In his first playoff game, Miller had three tackles.

Miller was chosen for the 2012 Pro Bowl. He was also named the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. He finished his rookie season with 11.5 sacks. He was ranked 52nd among all NFL players by his peers.

MVP Candidate (2012)

Miller started his second season very strong. He had 10 sacks in just nine games. Many people thought he could even win the league MVP award. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week again in Week 11. He also won AFC Defensive Player of the Month for November.

Miller was chosen to start in the 2013 Pro Bowl. He ended the season with 18.5 sacks, a new Broncos record. He finished second in voting for Defensive Player of the Year. He was also named first-team All-Pro.

In 2012, Miller worked with a video game company, Ubisoft. He created a special sack dance called the "DeSoto Shuffle." Every time he did the dance in a game, Ubisoft donated money to his charity, Von's Vision. This charity helps kids get eye care and glasses. He was ranked 9th among NFL players by his peers.

Miller (third from right) visited U.S. Army soldiers in Afghanistan in 2013.

Injury and Comeback (2013–2014)

Miller faced a six-game suspension in 2013. He returned to play on October 20, 2013. In November, he recovered a fumble and ran 60 yards for a touchdown. This was his second career touchdown. His season ended early on December 22, 2013. He tore a ligament in his knee (ACL). Without Miller, the Broncos reached Super Bowl XLVIII. However, they lost to the Seattle Seahawks. He was ranked 76th by his fellow players.

Miller came back strong in 2014 after his knee injury. He had 14 sacks and 59 tackles. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for October. He was also chosen for the Pro Bowl again. He was ranked 33rd among NFL players by his peers.

Super Bowl Champion and MVP (2015)

Miller in Super Bowl 50

On September 17, 2015, Miller reached 50 career sacks faster than almost anyone in NFL history. Only Reggie White and Derrick Thomas did it quicker. He finished the 2015 season with 11 sacks.

In the playoffs, Miller was outstanding. In the AFC Championship game, he sacked Tom Brady 2.5 times. He also made an interception.

In Super Bowl 50, the Broncos played the favored Carolina Panthers. Miller was a key player in the Broncos' 24–10 victory. In the first quarter, he sacked Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Newton fumbled the ball, and the Broncos scored a touchdown. Later in the game, with the Broncos leading, Miller forced another fumble from Newton. This helped seal the win for Denver. Miller had 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and six tackles. He was named Super Bowl MVP for his amazing performance. Many people consider it one of the best defensive performances in Super Bowl history.

Miller was named to his fourth Pro Bowl. He also earned his second first-team All-Pro award. He was ranked 15th among NFL players by his peers.

Highest-Paid Defensive Player (2016)

On July 15, 2016, Miller signed a huge 6-year contract with the Broncos. It was worth $114.5 million, with $70 million guaranteed. This made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.

Miller was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 2. He also won AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September. He finished the 2016 season with 13.5 sacks. He was named to his fifth Pro Bowl and third first-team All-Pro. He was ranked second among all NFL players by his peers, making him the highest-ranked defensive player.

Continued Success (2017–2019)

Miller with the Denver Broncos in 2017

In 2017, Miller was named to his sixth Pro Bowl. He also won the Pro Bowl defensive MVP award. This was his fourth straight season with at least 10 sacks. He was ranked ninth among NFL players by his peers.

In 2018, Miller had three sacks in the first game of the season. In Week 11, he made an interception and returned it 42 yards. This helped the Broncos win a close game. During the 2018 season, Miller reached 100 career sacks. He was the fifth-fastest player in NFL history to do so. He was selected for his seventh Pro Bowl. He was ranked 10th among NFL players by his peers.

Miller alongside Derrick Henry at the 2020 Pro Bowl

In 2019, Miller sacked the quarterback twice in Week 4. His second sack was his 100th career sack. He was selected for his eighth Pro Bowl. He was ranked 26th among NFL players by his peers. He was also named to the NFL All-Decade Team for the 2010s.

Injury in 2020

On September 8, 2020, Miller suffered a serious ankle injury during practice. He needed surgery and missed the entire 2020 season.

Final Season with Broncos (2021)

In March 2021, the Broncos kept Miller for the final year of his contract. He recorded 4.5 sacks and 17 tackles in six games. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September. His last game as a Bronco was on October 21, 2021, when he sprained his ankle.

Los Angeles Rams (2021)

On November 1, 2021, Miller was traded to the Los Angeles Rams. This was a big change for him, as he had been with the Broncos for a long time. He chose to wear number 40 for the Rams, which was his college number.

Miller made his Rams debut in Week 10. In Week 15, he got his first sack as a Ram. In Week 17, he had his best game with the Rams, getting two sacks. Overall in 2021, Miller had 9.5 sacks and 50 tackles in 15 games.

In Super Bowl LVI, Miller had two sacks. The Rams won the Super Bowl 23–20. He became only the second player ever to have multiple Super Bowl games with multiple sacks. He also tied the record for most career Super Bowl sacks with 4.5. He was ranked 93rd among NFL players by his peers.

Buffalo Bills (2022–Present)

Miller in 2022

On March 16, 2022, Miller signed a six-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. In his first game with the Bills, he had two sacks against his former team, the Rams. During a game in November, Miller hurt his knee. He was later found to have torn his ACL and missed the rest of the season.

Miller was placed on a special list to start the 2023 season while he recovered. He returned to play on October 7, 2023. He struggled after his injury and had a less productive season. He finished with three tackles and no sacks in twelve games.

In October 2024, Miller was suspended for four games. In the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Miller recovered a fumble. This helped the Bills score a touchdown in their 27–25 win.

NFL Career Statistics

Legend
	Super Bowl MVP
	Won the Super Bowl
Bold	Career high

Regular Season

Year	Team	Games		Tackles					Fumbles				Interceptions
Year	Team	GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	TFL	FF	FR	Yds	TD	Int	Yds	TD	PD
2011	DEN	15	15	64	50	14	11.5	19	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	4
2012	DEN	16	16	68	55	13	18.5	28	6	0	0	0	1	26	1	2
2013	DEN	9	9	34	27	7	5.0	9	3	1	60	1	0	0	0	1
2014	DEN	16	16	59	42	17	14.0	16	1	1	2	0	0	0	0	2
2015	DEN	16	16	35	30	5	11.0	9	4	3	0	0	0	0	0	1
2016	DEN	16	16	78	62	16	13.5	13	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	3
2017	DEN	16	16	57	51	6	10.0	17	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	3
2018	DEN	16	16	48	29	19	14.5	14	4	2	3	0	1	42	0	3
2019	DEN	15	15	46	33	13	8.0	10	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2
2020	DEN	0	0	did not play due to injury
2021	DEN	7	7	19	10	9	4.5	7	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2021	LAR	8	8	31	23	8	5.0	12	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
2022	BUF	11	11	21	18	3	8.0	10	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	2
2023	BUF	12	0	3	2	1	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2024	BUF	13	0	17	13	4	6.0	7	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Career		186	161	581	446	135	129.5	71	27	9	65	1	2	68	1	24

Postseason

Year	Team	Games		Tackles				Fumbles				Interceptions
Year	Team	GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	FF	FR	Yds	TD	Int	Yds	TD	PD
2011	DEN	2	2	3	3	0	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2012	DEN	1	1	9	7	2	0.5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2013	DEN	0	0	did not play due to injury
2014	DEN	1	1	6	5	1	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2015	DEN	3	3	13	11	2	5.0	2	0	0	0	1	4	0	2
2021	LAR	4	4	14	12	2	4.0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	1
2022	BUF	0	0	did not play due to injury
2023	BUF	2	0	2	1	1	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2024	BUF	2	0	1	1	0	0.0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Career		15	11	48	40	8	10.5	3	2	0	0	1	4	0	3

Broncos Franchise Records

When he left the Broncos in 2021, Miller held five team records for sacks:

Most career sacks (110.5 sacks)
Most sacks in a single season (18.5 in 2012)
Most playoff career sacks (6.5)
Most sacks in a single playoff season (5 in 2015)
Most sacks in a single playoff game (2.5, which he did twice)

NFL Record

Most sacks in the Super Bowl – 4.5 (tied with Charles Haley)

Personal Life

Von Miller was born in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in DeSoto. His parents, Von and Gloria Miller, were both athletes in high school and college. They own a business that supplies power. Miller has a younger brother named Vinsynzie.

Miller studied poultry science in college. He even has his own farm where he raises chickens!