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 an American professional football linebacker currently playing for the Washington Commanders. He was drafted second overall by the Denver Broncos in 2011 after a successful college career at Texas A&M, where he was recognized as a consensus All-American and won the Butkus Award. Miller is known for his skills as a pass rusher and linebacker.

Sections (4)

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

July 28, 2011: Von Miller Signed Rookie Contract

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

September 12, 2011: Forced Fumble Against the Oakland Raiders

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

September 18, 2011: First Career Sack

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

December 26, 2012: Pro Bowl Selection

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

2012: Teamed up with Ubisoft to create the "DeSoto Shuffle"

In 2012, Von Miller partnered with Ubisoft, the company behind "The Hip Hop Dance Experience" video game, to create his own sack celebration dance called the "DeSoto Shuffle," inspired by the game. Each time he performed the dance during a game, Ubisoft donated to Von's Vision.

October 20, 2013: Eligibility to Play

On October 20, 2013, Von Miller became eligible to play when the Broncos played the Indianapolis Colts, following a six-game suspension.

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 (58 games).

March 1, 2016: Franchise Tag

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

December 19, 2017: Sixth Pro Bowl Selection

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

2020: Selected to 2020 Pro Bowl and NFL Top 100

In 2020, Von Miller was selected to the Pro Bowl as a starting outside linebacker, marking his eighth career and sixth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance. He was also ranked 26th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020 and was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team for the 2010s.

March 2021: Broncos Exercise Year Option in 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.

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. At the time, he was the longest-tenured Bronco and the only remaining nonspecial-teams player from Denver's Super Bowl 50 roster.

2021: Recorded Stats for 2021 Season

In the 2021 season, Von Miller recorded 50 tackles, 9+1⁄2 sacks, one pass defended, and one forced fumble in 15 games played.

2021: Rams Played in 2021 NFC Championship Game

On January 30, 2022 (the same date Von Miller's Rams played in the 2021 NFC Championship Game), Miller won the minimum $30,000 for his selected charity, Von's Vision.

January 30, 2022: Appeared on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune

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

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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: Ranked in NFL Top 100 Players of 2022

In 2022, Von Miller was ranked 93rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.

2022: Draft Picks Traded

In 2022, the Los Angeles Rams used the second and third-round draft picks acquired from trading Von Miller.

October 7, 2023: Activated from Reserve/PUP List

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

2024: Finished 2024 Season with Six Sacks

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

March 9, 2025: Released from Buffalo Bills

On March 9, 2025, Von Miller was released from 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, with up to $10.5 million in incentives. He chose to wear jersey number 24 as a tribute to Kobe Bryant and Champ Bailey.