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 professional American football linebacker currently playing for the Washington Commanders. He achieved significant recognition during his college career at Texas A&M, earning All-American honors and the Butkus Award in 2010. Miller was drafted second overall by the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. Miller is known for his exceptional pass-rushing abilities and impact on defense.

Sections (4)

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

1992: Aggies' Highest Draft Pick Since 1992

In 2011, Von Miller's draft selection was the Aggies' highest draft pick since Quentin Coryatt was selected second overall in 1992, marking a significant moment for Texas A&M.

2000: Highest Selected Linebacker Since 2000

In 2011, When Von Miller was selected by the Denver Broncos, he was the highest-selected linebacker since LaVar Arrington went number two to the Washington Redskins in 2000, highlighting the significance of his draft position.

2007: Ranked as a Four-Star Recruit

In 2007, Von Miller was considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, listed as the number-15 weakside defensive end in the nation and chose Texas A&M.

2007: Freshman All-Big 12 Selection

In 2007, as a freshman at Texas A&M, Von Miller was named Freshman All-Big 12 by The Sporting News, recording 22 tackles and two sacks.

2008: Played Weakside Linebacker

In 2008, Von Miller played weakside linebacker, making 44 tackles and leading the team with 3.5 sacks.

2009: Breakout Season as Jack Position

In 2009, Von Miller had a breakout season as the jack position, leading the nation in sacks with 17 and earning first-team All Big-12 and All-American honors.

2010: Played for Texas A&M

From 2007 to 2010, Von Miller played for the Texas A&M Aggies football team, marking his college football career.

2010: Butkus Award Winner

In 2010, Von Miller played as a 3–4 outside linebacker, won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker, and was named a consensus first-team All-American.

2010: Projected as Second-Round Pick (if he had entered the draft)

In 2010, Von Miller was projected to be a second-round pick in the NFL draft had he passed on his senior season.

March 2011: Selected for 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: Strong Performance at NFL Combine

In March 2011, at the NFL Combine, Von Miller excelled among linebackers, ranking high in several drills and breaking the combine linebacker record in the 60-yard shuttle, showcasing his athleticism.

July 28, 2011: Signed Rookie Contract with Denver Broncos

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

September 12, 2011: First Career Play and Forced Fumble

On September 12, 2011, in his first career play from scrimmage, Von Miller made an immediate impact by forcing a fumble against the Oakland Raiders.

September 18, 2011: First Career Sack

On September 18, 2011, Von Miller recorded his first career sack against Andy Dalton in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, marking a milestone in his NFL career.

2011: Comparison to Second Season

In Von Miller's second season, he recorded more quarterback hurries in just nine games than he did during his entire 2011 campaign, showcasing his rapid improvement.

December 26, 2012: Announced Starting Outside Linebacker for Pro Bowl

On December 26, 2012, Von Miller was announced as the starting outside linebacker in the AFC division for the 2013 Pro Bowl, solidifying his status as a top player.

2012: Created Sack Celebration Dance with Ubisoft

In 2012, Von Miller partnered with Ubisoft, the makers of "The Hip Hop Dance Experience" video game, to create his signature sack celebration dance, the "DeSoto Shuffle," which supported his Von's Vision 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, showcasing his outstanding performance in his debut NFL season.

July 2013: Reported Suspension for Violating League Policy

In July 2013, ESPN reported that Von Miller had been suspended four games for violating league policy, a decision he appealed while maintaining his innocence.

August 2013: Suspension Increased to Six Games

In August 2013, Von Miller's suspension was increased to six games after the NFL discovered his attempt to cheat a drug test, highlighting a significant setback in his career.

October 20, 2013: Eligibility to Play After Suspension

On October 20, 2013, Von Miller became eligible to play again after serving his six-game suspension, marking his return to the field against the Indianapolis Colts.

December 22, 2013: Tore ACL

On December 22, 2013, Von Miller suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during a game against the Houston Texans, prematurely ending his season.

2013: Ranked 9th on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2013, Von Miller was ranked 9th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players, reflecting his high regard within the league.

2013: Named starting outside linebacker for Pro Bowl

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: Ranked 76th on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2014, Von Miller was ranked 76th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players, reflecting his standing in the league after recovering from injury.

2014: Earned AFC Defensive Player of the Month

In 2014, after recovering from his ACL injury, Von Miller earned AFC Defensive Player of the Month for October, showcasing his strong return to form.

September 17, 2015: Third-Fastest to 50 Career Sacks

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

2015: Ranked 33rd on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2015, Von Miller was ranked 33rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players, marking a rise in his recognition within the league.

2015: Super Bowl 50 MVP

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

March 1, 2016: Broncos Placed Exclusive Franchise Tag on Miller

On March 1, 2016, the Broncos placed the exclusive franchise tag on Von Miller, indicating their intention to retain him.

2016: Named to Fifth Pro Bowl and Third First-Team All-Pro

In 2016, Von Miller was named to his fifth career Pro Bowl and third first-team All-Pro, solidifying his status as one of the league's top defensive players.

2016: Fourth Pro Bowl and Second First-Team All-Pro

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

December 19, 2017: Named to Sixth Pro Bowl

On December 19, 2017, Von Miller was named to his sixth Pro Bowl, marking another achievement in his career.

2017: Ranked Second on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2017, Von Miller was ranked second by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players, being the highest-ranked defensive player on the list.

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 achieve this milestone.

2018: Ranked Ninth on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2018, Von Miller was ranked ninth by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players, reflecting his continued high standing in the league.

2018: Recorded Three Sacks in Season Opener

In the Broncos' 2018 season opener, Von Miller recorded three sacks and seven total tackles, contributing to a 27–24 victory.

2019: Selected to 2019 Pro Bowl and Ranked in NFL Top 100

In 2019, Von Miller was selected to the Pro Bowl for the seventh time in his career and was ranked 10th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.

2020: Selected to 2020 Pro Bowl and Named to Hall of Fame All-Decade Team

In 2020, Von Miller was selected to the Pro Bowl for the eighth time in his career and was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team for the 2010s. He was also ranked 26th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

March 2021: Broncos Exercised Option on Miller's Contract

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

October 21, 2021: Final Game as a Bronco Due to Ankle Sprain

On October 21, 2021, Von Miller sprained his ankle against the Cleveland Browns, which turned out to be his final game as a Bronco.

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: Rams Debut and Super Bowl LVI Victory

During the 2021 season with the Rams, Von Miller recorded 50 tackles and 9.5 sacks. In Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals, Miller recorded two sacks in the Rams' 23–20 victory.

2021: Traded to Los Angeles Rams and Super Bowl LVI win

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

January 30, 2022: Celebrity Wheel of Fortune Win

On January 30, 2022, Von Miller won $30,000 for his charity, Von's Vision, on "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune".

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March 16, 2022: Signed with the Buffalo Bills

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

2022: Ranked in NFL Top 100 After Super Bowl Win

After winning the Super Bowl with the Rams, Von Miller was ranked 93rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.

2022: Plays with Buffalo Bills

In 2022, Von Miller began playing with the Buffalo Bills, continuing his NFL career with a new team. He played with the Buffalo Bills through 2024.

2022: Draft Picks Involved in Rams Trade

In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams utilized the second and third-round draft picks that were acquired in exchange for Von Miller.

October 7, 2023: Activated from Reserve/PUP List

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

2024: Active Player with Most Career Sacks

As of 2024, Von Miller holds the record for the most career sacks among active players in the NFL. In 2024 he was also playing for the Buffalo Bills.

2024: Finished Season with Six Sacks

During the 2024 season, Von Miller recorded six sacks.

March 9, 2025: Released by Buffalo 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 as a tribute to Kobe Bryant and Champ Bailey.