Willie Miller (American football) facts for kids

Willie T. Miller, born on April 26, 1947, is a former American football player. He played as a wide receiver for seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Miller played for two famous teams: the Cleveland Browns and the Los Angeles Rams. Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Colorado State Rams.

Willie Miller's Early Life and Military Service

Willie Miller grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. He went to Hooper City High School. After high school, Miller joined the U.S. Army. He trained with the Special Forces, which are highly skilled soldiers.

Serving in the Vietnam War

Miller served in the Vietnam War. He showed great bravery during his time there. He earned the rank of staff sergeant. He received a Silver Star medal for his courage. This was for rescuing his wounded platoon sergeant. He did this while under heavy enemy fire.

Miller also received a Soldier's Medal. This was for trying to save another soldier. The soldier had fallen into a stream during a flash flood. Miller was also wounded by a bullet in his leg. For this injury, he received a Purple Heart medal.

College Football Journey

After five and a half years, Miller left the army. While he was stationed in El Paso, Texas, he met football coaches. They were from Colorado State University. They offered him a scholarship to play football.

Breaking Records at Colorado State

Miller started at Colorado State in the fall of 1971. He played on the varsity team for three years. During this time, he broke many records. He became the best receiver in Colorado State history. In 1974, he was named Athlete of the Year. This was by the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.

Professional Football Career

In 1975, Miller was chosen in the NFL Draft. The Houston Oilers picked him in the 12th round. He then joined the Cleveland Browns. He played for them in 1975 and 1976.

Playing for the Los Angeles Rams

Miller missed the 1977 season due to an injury. He had a dislocated elbow. After that, he signed with the Los Angeles Rams. In 1978, he became a starting player for the Rams. He led the team with 50 catches. He also gained 760 yards and scored four touchdowns.

Miller was part of the 1979 Rams team. This team made it to the Super Bowl. However, Miller could not play in the Super Bowl. He was injured at the time. He played three more seasons with the Rams. He retired from football in 1983.

Coaching Football After Playing

After his playing career, Miller became a football coach. In 1984, he started coaching high school football. He coached at Hayes High School in Birmingham.

Leading High School Teams

From 2002 to 2003, Miller was the head coach. He coached at G.W. Carver in Birmingham. Later, he became the head coach at E.B. Erwin High School. He coached there from 2005 until he retired in 2013.