Career Timeline of Von Miller: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 12, 2026

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

Von Miller is a highly accomplished professional American football player, widely recognized as one of the most dominant edge rushers in NFL history. Drafted second overall by the Denver Broncos in 2011, he quickly established himself as a premier defensive force. A standout career highlight includes leading the Broncos to victory in Super Bowl 50, where he was named the game's Most Valuable Player after a statistically spectacular performance. Throughout his career, Miller has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. Known for his signature speed, bend, and sack-production ability, he has also played for the Los Angeles Rams, helping them secure a Super Bowl LVI title, and the Buffalo Bills. Beyond his statistical achievements, Miller is celebrated for his impact on team defenses and his status as a future Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Sections (4)

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

1992: Quentin Coryatt Selected in NFL Draft

In 1992, Quentin Coryatt was selected second overall in the NFL draft, establishing a record for the highest Aggies draft pick that Von Miller would eventually equal in 2011.

2000: LaVar Arrington Selected in NFL Draft

In the year 2000, linebacker LaVar Arrington was selected number two overall in the NFL draft by the Washington Redskins, a benchmark for high-drafted linebackers that would later be matched by Von Miller.

2007: Freshman Season at Texas A&M

In 2007, Von Miller began his collegiate football career at Texas A&M University as a defensive end. During this freshman year, he earned Freshman All-Big 12 honors from The Sporting News after recording 22 tackles, two sacks, four tackles for loss, and one forced fumble while playing in a 4–2–5 defensive scheme.

2007: Texas A&M Recruitment

In 2007, Von Miller was recognized as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and ranked as the 15th-best weakside defensive end in the United States, ultimately choosing to play for Texas A&M over offers from other major universities like Florida, LSU, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech.

2008: Sophomore Season at Texas A&M

During the 2008 season, Von Miller played as a weakside linebacker in Joe Kines's 4–3 defensive scheme, appearing in all 12 games. Throughout 2008, he recorded 44 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and forced two fumbles, though his role was primarily focused on pass coverage rather than pass rushing.

2008: Suspension and Personal Growth at Texas A&M

In the spring of 2008, Von Miller faced a suspension from his team by head coach Mike Sherman due to poor academic attendance and lackluster performance in practice. Although Miller briefly contemplated transferring schools, he ultimately decided to stay at his father's encouragement, which led to a significant shift in his work ethic and a more professional approach to his football career.

2009: Breakout Junior Season at Texas A&M

In 2009, Von Miller transitioned to the 'jack' position, leading the nation with 17 sacks and earning first-team All-American honors from Sporting News and Sports Illustrated.

2010: Conclusion of Texas A&M Career

By 2010, Von Miller completed his tenure with the Texas A&M Aggies football team, a period that began in 2007 and helped establish his profile as a collegiate athlete.

2010: College Football Accolades

During the 2010 season, Von Miller achieved significant success playing for the Texas A&M Aggies, earning consensus All-American honors and receiving the prestigious Butkus Award.

2010: Von Miller's Senior Year at Texas A&M

During the 2010 season, Von Miller transitioned to a 3–4 outside linebacker role, overcame an early-season high ankle sprain, recorded 10.5 sacks, and earned significant collegiate accolades including the Butkus Award and consensus first-team All-American status before graduating with a degree in poultry science.

2010: NFL Draft Projection

In 2010, Von Miller was projected to be a second-round pick in the NFL draft had he decided to forgo his senior season of college football.

March 2011: Texas A&M Pro Day Performance

During the Texas A&M Pro Day in March 2011, Von Miller showcased his athletic ability by running a 4.49-second 40-yard dash.

March 2011: Von Miller's NFL Labor Union Representation and Draft Evaluations

In March 2011, Von Miller was selected to represent top-flight rookies during NFL Labor Union negotiations after being persuaded by LaDainian Tomlinson to join a lawsuit. During this same period, leading up to the draft, Miller received high praise from scouts and analysts, including comparisons to NFL legends like Derrick Thomas, Joey Porter, and DeMarcus Ware, while his trainer identified him as an elite athlete among his peers.

July 28, 2011: Von Miller Signs Rookie Contract with Denver Broncos

On July 28, 2011, Von Miller officially signed his rookie contract with the Denver Broncos. As part of this career milestone, he chose to wear the number 58 jersey to pay tribute to the legendary Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas.

September 12, 2011: First Career Play Fumble Force

On September 12, 2011, during his very first career play from scrimmage, Von Miller successfully forced a fumble while playing against the Oakland Raiders.

September 18, 2011: First NFL Career Sack

On September 18, 2011, Von Miller recorded his first career sack in the NFL by bringing down quarterback Andy Dalton during a game between the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals.

2011: 2011 Season Performance

During his 2011 campaign, Von Miller established a baseline of performance that he would eventually surpass with 30 quarterback hurries in just nine games of the 2012 season.

2011: NFL Draft Selection

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

December 26, 2012: Pro Bowl Selection

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

2012: 2012 Breakthrough Season and Accolades

During the 2012 calendar year, Von Miller achieved significant professional milestones including his selection to the Pro Bowl and being honored as the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. Throughout the season, he accumulated 11.5 sacks and recorded various quarterback pressures, despite being fined three times and being ranked 52nd on the NFL Top 100 Players list for 2012.

2012: Partnership with Ubisoft and Introduction of the DeSoto Shuffle

In 2012, Von Miller collaborated with Ubisoft to develop the "DeSoto Shuffle," a sack celebration dance inspired by the video game The Hip Hop Dance Experience. Through this initiative, Ubisoft pledged to donate to Von's Vision, a foundation providing eye care and glasses to underprivileged youth, every time Miller performed the dance in a game.

July 2013: Initial NFL Suspension

In July 2013, ESPN reported that Von Miller faced a four-game suspension for a violation of NFL league policy, a decision he contested while maintaining his innocence on social media.

August 2013: Extended Suspension

Following a failed appeal in August 2013, Von Miller's suspension was increased to six games after the NFL determined he had attempted to manipulate the results of a drug test.

October 20, 2013: Return to NFL Play

After serving his six-game suspension, Von Miller became eligible to return to active competition on October 20, 2013, during a game between the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts.

December 22, 2013: Season-Ending Injury

On December 22, 2013, Von Miller's season was abruptly cut short when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during an away game victory against the Houston Texans.

2013: NFL Top 100 Players of 2013 Ranking

During 2013, Von Miller received significant peer recognition when he was ranked as the 9th best player in the league by his fellow NFL players in the annual NFL Top 100 list.

2013: 2013 Pro Bowl Appearance

In 2013, Von Miller participated in the Pro Bowl as the starting outside linebacker for the AFC team, following his selection on December 26, 2012.

2014: 2014 NFL Season Performance and Recognition

During the 2014 season, Von Miller returned from injury to play for the Denver Broncos, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Month honors in October and finishing the season with 14 sacks and 59 tackles. He also received a Pro Bowl nomination for his contributions throughout 2014.

2014: NFL Top 100 Players of 2014 Ranking

In 2014, Von Miller received recognition from his NFL peers by being ranked 76th overall on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

September 17, 2015: Reaching 50 Career Sacks

On September 17, 2015, Von Miller achieved a major career milestone by becoming the third-fastest player in NFL history to record 50 career sacks, accomplishing the feat in just 58 games.

2015: Super Bowl 50 MVP

At the conclusion of the 2015 NFL season, Von Miller earned the title of Most Valuable Player for his performance in Super Bowl 50.

March 1, 2016: Broncos place exclusive franchise tag on Von Miller

On March 1, 2016, the Denver Broncos officially placed the exclusive franchise tag on Von Miller, a procedural move to retain the star defensive player.

2016: 2016 Regular Season Performance

During the 2016 regular season, Von Miller recorded 13.5 sacks and 24 quarterback hits, although he notably went without a sack during the final four games of the year.

2016: Professional Recognition in 2016

During the year 2016, Von Miller achieved significant professional accolades, including being named to his fourth Pro Bowl, earning his second first-team All-Pro selection, and receiving a ranking of 15th among his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

2021: Trade to Los Angeles Rams and Super Bowl LVI Victory

In 2021, Von Miller was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, where he became a key member of the team that ultimately secured a victory in Super Bowl LVI.

2022: Beginning of Buffalo Bills Tenure

Von Miller joined the Buffalo Bills in 2022, starting a multi-year tenure with the team that lasted through 2024.

2024: Conclusion of Buffalo Bills Tenure

The year 2024 marked the final year of Von Miller's time playing for the Buffalo Bills, following his arrival at the team in 2022.

2025: Active Career Sack Leader and Washington Commanders Tenure

As of 2025, Von Miller holds the record for the most career sacks among all active players and the most career sacks in Denver Broncos history with 110.5. Additionally, he spent the 2025 season playing for the Washington Commanders.