Von Miller Eyes 15th NFL Season: Will a Super Bowl Reunion Hinder His Return?
Von Miller, the Super Bowl 50 MVP and perennial Pro Bowler, isn’t ready to hang up his cleats just yet. Despite being released by the Buffalo Bills in March, the 36-year-old linebacker is resolute to play a 15th season in the NFL. The question is: which team will give him that chance?
jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker von Miller (40) warms up before a game against the Denver Broncos in an AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Adding an engaging wrinkle to Miller’s free agency is the Denver Broncos’ planned tribute to their Super Bowl 50 championship team this October. The celebration will include the induction of miller’s former teammate, the late Demaryius Thomas, into the team’s Ring of Fame during halftime of their Week 7 game against the New York Giants.
Miller expressed a conflicting desire regarding the event.
“I woudl like to be present,but I hope not to be ther,”
Von Miller during an event for his charity foundation,From the vision.
This “paradoxical wish,” as some are calling it, stems from Miller’s determination to continue his NFL career. He hopes to be on the field, not in the stands, during the Broncos’ celebration. He even hinted at potential landing spots, stating, I hope not to be at the tribute ceremony for the Super Bowl 50, unless I play for the New York Giants or the Denver Broncos.
A return to Denver, where Miller holds the franchise record for sacks (110.5), seems unlikely. Miller himself acknowledges the Broncos’ current strength at pass rusher.
“Broncos have two excellent pass-rushers with Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto. They are among the best. And their replacements also contribute, while playing in special teams, which I am no longer doing at 36,”
Von Miller
This self-awareness is crucial. Miller understands his role at this stage of his career. He may not be a special teams contributor,but he believes he can still impact the game as a pass rusher and a locker room leader. Think of veterans like Dwight Freeney late in his career, providing valuable pass-rushing snaps and mentorship.
With 129.5 career sacks, Miller’s resume speaks for itself. He emphasizes his leadership qualities, stating, I am a cloakroom guy above all. and I can still get up with bed and hunt the quarterback.
However, some analysts question weather Miller can still be an effective pass rusher after suffering a important knee injury in 2022. His production with the Bills was limited, raising concerns about his ability to regain his previous form.
Despite these concerns, Miller remains optimistic.He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion (with Denver in 2015 and the Rams in 2021) and knows what it takes to win. His experience and leadership could be invaluable to a team looking to make a playoff push.
The question remains: which team will take a chance on Von miller? While a Denver reunion appears improbable,several teams could benefit from his veteran presence and pass-rushing skills. Keep an eye on teams with young defensive lines or those looking to add a proven leader to their locker room. The next few months will determine whether Miller gets his wish and continues his NFL journey for a 15th season.
further investigation could explore:
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A breakdown of Miller’s performance metrics since his injury, comparing them to his pre-injury stats.
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An analysis of potential team fits for Miller, considering their defensive schemes and locker room dynamics.
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Interviews with NFL coaches and general managers about the value of veteran pass rushers in today’s game.
Photo credit: © Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Von Miller: Statistical Snapshot and Comparison
To better understand Von Miller’s potential impact,let’s examine key performance indicators. The following table offers a comparative look at his production pre- and post-injury, highlighting areas of strength and decline.
| Statistic | Pre-Injury (2011-2021) | Post-Injury (2022-2023) | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 151 | 16 | Notable reduction in playing time due to injury and subsequent recovery. |
| Sacks | 110.5 | 1 | Production slowed dramatically after the injury, but sample size is small. |
| Tackles for Loss | 150 | 5 | Tackles for Loss also declined, reflecting reduced effectiveness against the run and in pursuit. |
| forced Fumbles | 26 | 0 | Forced Fumbles have diminished, indicating a decline in explosiveness. |
| Approximate Value (Pro Football Reference) | 90 (career) | 2 | even with a shortened season due to injury, his value has been significantly lowered in 2 seasons. |
Note: Statistics are based on regular season data.
This data paints a picture of a player whose production has been undeniably affected by injury.However, it is crucial to acknowledge that Miller’s impact extends beyond raw statistics. His veteran leadership, football IQ, and ability to command double-teams still hold value. The key for any team considering him will be assessing his physical condition and his willingness to embrace a more specialized role.
SEO-Friendly FAQ Section: Von Miller’s Future
To enhance search visibility and address common reader inquiries, here’s a detailed FAQ section:
1. Where is Von Miller now?
Von Miller was released by the Buffalo Bills in March 2024. He is currently a free agent,exploring opportunities to continue his NFL career during the 2025 season.
2. Will Von Miller Retire?
No, Miller has expressed a strong desire to play a 15th NFL season. His release from the Bills doesn’t signal the end of his career; he’s actively seeking another team.
3.Why was Von Miller released by the Bills?
Miller’s release was partly due to his significant knee injury in 2022, which limited his playing time and effectiveness. Also, the Bills possibly needed to reduce salary commitments and restructure their roster.
4. What is Von Miller’s injury?
During the 2022 season, he suffered a serious knee injury.
5. What teams are potential landing spots for Von Miller?
While no specific teams have been confirmed to have reached out yet, and teams looking to improve their pass rush or add veteran leadership might potentially be interested. The New York Giants or Denver Broncos are also possibilities, based on miller’s comments.
6. How old is Von Miller?
Von Miller is 36 years old.
7. What are Von Miller’s career accomplishments?
Miller is a two-time Super Bowl champion, super Bowl 50 MVP, and a multiple-time Pro Bowler. He holds the Denver Broncos franchise record for sacks and is widely considered one of the premier pass rushers of his era.
8. What is Von Miller’s legacy?
Von Miller is set to be remembered as one of the most dominant and impactful pass-rushers in NFL history.His contributions both on and off the field and his ability to change the game will be remembered in NFL history.
9. Could Von Miller return to the Denver Broncos?
It’s unlikely though not impossible. Miller has saeid it depends on whether he is playing or attending the celebrations. The Broncos have younger, talented pass rushers on their roster. So, it is likely that this would be a more low-key return.
10. What role could Von Miller play on a new team?
At this stage of his career, Miller would likely fill a situational pass-rusher role, providing valuable snaps, and mentorship to younger players on the defensive line. His leadership would be highly valued in the locker room.
