Career Timeline of Von Miller: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Von Miller built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Von Miller is a celebrated American football linebacker known for his impactful career. He excelled at Texas A&M, earning All-American honors and the Butkus Award in 2010. Drafted second overall by the Denver Broncos in 2011, Miller quickly became a defensive force. Throughout his professional career, he has been recognized as a seven-time All-Pro and an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier linebackers.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1992: Highest Draft Pick Since Quentin Coryatt

In 1992, Quentin Coryatt was drafted. Von Miller became the Aggies' highest draft pick since Quentin Coryatt, who was selected second overall in 1992.

2000: Highest Selected Linebacker since LaVar Arrington

In 2000, LaVar Arrington was drafted. Von Miller was the highest-selected linebacker since LaVar Arrington went number two to the Washington Redskins in 2000.

2008: Weakside Linebacker Role

In 2008, Von Miller played as a weakside linebacker, making 44 tackles and leading the team with 3.5 sacks for Texas A&M.

2009: Breakout Season as Jack Position

In 2009, Von Miller had a breakout season as the jack position for the Aggies, leading the nation in sacks and earning first-team All Big-12 and All-American honors.

2010: Projected NFL Draft Pick

In 2010, before his senior season, Von Miller was projected to be a second-round pick in the NFL draft if he chose to forgo his final year of college.

March 2011: NFL Labor Union Talks

In March 2011, Von Miller was selected to represent top-flight rookies in the NFL Labor Union talks and was persuaded by LaDainian Tomlinson to join the lawsuit.

March 2011: Defensive MVP at Senior Bowl and NFL Combine Performance

In March 2011, Von Miller was the Defensive MVP at the 2011 Senior Bowl and performed exceptionally well at the NFL Combine, breaking the combine linebacker record in the 60-yard shuttle with a time of 11.15 seconds.

July 28, 2011: Signs Rookie Contract

On July 28, 2011, Von Miller signed his rookie contract with the Denver Broncos and chose to wear number 58 in honor of Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas.

September 12, 2011: First Career Play

On September 12, 2011, in his first career play from scrimmage, Von Miller forced a fumble against the Oakland Raiders.

September 18, 2011: First Sack

On September 18, 2011, Von Miller recorded his first sack against Andy Dalton during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

2011: NFL Draft Selection

In 2011, Von Miller was selected by the Denver Broncos with the second overall pick in the NFL draft, marking the beginning of his professional career.

2011: Compares Hurries to 2011 Campaign

In his second season, Von Miller had recorded 30 quarterback hurries, more than he had during his entire 2011 campaign.

December 26, 2012: Starting Outside Linebacker in Pro Bowl

On December 26, 2012, Von Miller was announced as the starting outside linebacker in the AFC division for the 2013 Pro Bowl.

2012: Creation of "DeSoto Shuffle" Sack Celebration

In 2012, Von Miller partnered with Ubisoft to create his own sack celebration dance called the "DeSoto Shuffle", inspired by the video game The Hip Hop Dance Experience, to raise money for his foundation.

2012: Pro Bowl Selection and AP Defensive Rookie of the Year

In 2012, Von Miller was selected to the Pro Bowl and named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, marking a successful start to his NFL career.

October 20, 2013: Eligibility to Play

On October 20, 2013, Von Miller became eligible to play again after serving his suspension.

2013: Named Starting Outside Linebacker

On December 26, 2012, it was announced that Von Miller would be the starting outside linebacker in the AFC division for the 2013 Pro Bowl.

2014: Pro Bowl Nomination

After recovering from his ACL injury, Von Miller returned for his fourth season with the Broncos, earning a Pro Bowl nomination for his performance in the 2014 season.

September 17, 2015: Reaching 50 Career Sacks

On September 17, 2015, Von Miller became the third-fastest player in NFL history to reach 50 career sacks, achieving this milestone in 58 games.

2015: Super Bowl MVP

At the conclusion of the 2015 NFL season, Von Miller was named Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl 50, marking a significant achievement in his career.

March 1, 2016: Franchise Tag

On March 1, 2016, the Broncos placed the exclusive franchise tag on Von Miller.

2016: AFC Defensive Player of the Month

In 2016, Von Miller earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for week 2 against the Colts and AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September.

2016: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Selection

In 2016, Von Miller was named to his fourth Pro Bowl, earned his second first-team All-Pro honors, and was ranked 15th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players.

December 19, 2017: Pro Bowl Selection

On December 19, 2017, Von Miller was named to his sixth Pro Bowl.

2018: Defensive Player of the Week

During the 2018 season, Von Miller earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week after an interception against the Los Angeles Chargers.

2018: 100th Career Sack

During the 2018 season, Von Miller recorded his 100th career sack (including postseason sacks), becoming the fifth-fastest player in NFL history to reach this milestone.

March 2021: Broncos Exercised Contract Option

In March 2021, the Broncos exercised the 2021 year option in Von Miller's contract. His contract guaranteed $7 million of his base salary of $17.5 million in 2021.

November 1, 2021: Traded to Los Angeles Rams

On November 1, 2021, Von Miller was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for second and third-round draft picks in the 2022 NFL draft. He chose to wear number 40 for the Rams.

2021: Departure From Broncos

As of his departure from the Denver Broncos in 2021, Von Miller holds five Broncos franchise records for sacks.

2021: Rams Debut and First Sack as a Ram

During the 2021 season, Von Miller recorded 50 tackles, 9.5 sacks, one pass defended, and one forced fumble in 15 games played after being traded to the Los Angeles Rams. He notched his first sack as a Ram against Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.

2021: Trade to the Los Angeles Rams and Super Bowl Win

In 2021, Von Miller was traded to the Los Angeles Rams and became a member of the team that won Super Bowl LVI.

January 30, 2022: Celebrity Wheel of Fortune Appearance

During a Celebrity Wheel of Fortune episode aired January 30, 2022, Von Miller won $30,000 for his selected charity, Von's Vision.

March 16, 2022: Signed with Buffalo Bills

On March 16, 2022, Von Miller signed a six-year, $120 million deal with the Buffalo Bills.

2022: Plays with the Buffalo Bills

In 2022, Von Miller started playing with the Buffalo Bills.

2022: Draft Picks Traded

In 2022, the Los Angeles Rams received second and third-round draft picks from the Denver Broncos as part of the trade for Von Miller that occurred in November 1, 2021.

October 7, 2023: Activated from Reserve/PUP List

On October 7, 2023, Von Miller was activated from the reserve/PUP list.

2024: Plays with the Buffalo Bills

In 2024, Von Miller was with the Buffalo Bills.

2024: Finished Season with Six Sacks

In the 2024 season, Von Miller finished with six sacks.

March 9, 2025: Released by Bills

On March 9, 2025, Von Miller was released by the Buffalo Bills.

July 21, 2025: Signed with Washington Commanders

On July 21, 2025, Von Miller signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders worth $6.1 million. He chose to wear jersey number 24 in honor of Kobe Bryant and Champ Bailey.