Von Miller

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Miller arrived in Denver as the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, a selection that surprised some experts because the Broncos were switching to a 4–3 defense, which seemed counterintuitive to his strengths. Former Broncos quarterback John Elway, the executive vice president of the franchise, said Miller is 'a type of guy that comes around every 10 years.' Miller wore number 58 in honor of Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas. In his first career play from scrimmage, on September 12, 2011, he forced a fumble against the Oakland Raiders. He was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording 11.5 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, and 29 quarterback hurries in 907 snaps. In 2012, he broke a Denver Broncos record of 17 sacks previously held by Elvis Dumervil, finishing with 18.5 sacks and being named first-team All-Pro. In 2013, Miller was suspended six games for violating league policy after attempting to cheat a drug test. His season ended prematurely when he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee on December 22, 2013. Without Miller, the Broncos reached Super Bowl XLVIII but lost 43–8 to the Seattle Seahawks.

In Their Own Story

In Super Bowl 50, Miller took over the game with relentless pressure on Cam Newton. He recorded multiple sacks and forced a crucial fumble that shifted momentum, earning him the game's MVP trophy. The Broncos won 24–10, and Miller's performance cemented his place among the all-time greats. Earlier in the 2015 season, he had already established himself as a dominant force, and his playoff run was historic. The victory parade through Denver was a celebration of a defense that Miller had anchored for years.

Reader's Guide

During his tenure with Denver, Miller transformed into one of the league's most feared pass rushers. Selected second overall in 2011, he immediately anchored a defense that complemented Peyton Manning's prolific offense. His career highlights include being named MVP of Super Bowl 50, where he recorded three sacks and a strip-sack that shifted momentum. He finished the 2012 season third in sacks with 18.5, breaking a Denver Broncos record of 17 previously held by Elvis Dumervil. He was named first-team All-Pro in 2012. In 2013, he was suspended six games for violating league policy after attempting to cheat a drug test. He returned to play but tore his ACL on December 22, 2013. Miller was a seven-time All-Pro selection and eight-time Pro Bowl selection during his career. As of 2025, he has the most career sacks in Broncos history with 110.5.

Did You Know?

• Miller was the highest-selected linebacker since LaVar Arrington went number two to the Washington Redskins in 2000.
• He broke a Denver Broncos record of 17 sacks previously held by Elvis Dumervil, finishing the 2012 season with 18.5 sacks.
• Miller wore number 58 in honor of Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas.
• In his first career play from scrimmage, on September 12, 2011, Miller forced a fumble against the Oakland Raiders.
• Miller graduated with a degree in poultry science and raises chickens in his spare time.