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 renowned for his exceptional skills and accomplishments. He played college football at Texas A&M, achieving consensus All-American status and winning the Butkus Award. His outstanding performance led to him being drafted second overall by the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. Miller is known for his pass-rushing prowess and has established himself as a dominant force in the NFL.

Sections (4)

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

2007: Recruited by Texas A&M

In 2007, Von Miller, a four-star recruit, chose to attend Texas A&M University over offers from Florida, LSU, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech.

2007: Freshman All-Big 12

In 2007, as a freshman defensive end for Texas A&M, Von Miller was named Freshman All-Big 12 by The Sporting News, recording 22 tackles, 2 sacks, and 4 tackles for loss.

2008: Played weakside linebacker

In 2008, Von Miller played weakside linebacker, recording 44 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

2009: Breakout season as jack position

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

2010: Played for the Texas A&M Aggies football team

From 2007 to 2010, Von Miller played for the Texas A&M Aggies football team at Texas A&M University.

2010: Won the Butkus Award

In 2010, as a senior, Von Miller 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

Von Miller was projected to be a second-round pick in the 2010 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 rookies in the NFL Labor Union talks and was persuaded by LaDainian Tomlinson to join the lawsuit.

March 2011: Impressive performance at NFL Combine

In March 2011, at the NFL Combine, Von Miller excelled among linebackers, ranking highly in various drills, including breaking the combine linebacker record in the 60-yard shuttle.

July 28, 2011: Signed rookie contract with Denver Broncos

On July 28, 2011, Von Miller signed his rookie contract with the Denver Broncos, wearing number 58 in honor of 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 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

December 26, 2012: Named starting outside linebacker in AFC for 2013 Pro Bowl

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

2012: Teamed up with Ubisoft for sack celebration dance

In 2012, Von Miller teamed up with Ubisoft, to create his sack celebration dance "DeSoto Shuffle" inspired by The Hip Hop Dance Experience, donating to Von's Vision for each performance.

2012: Selected to Pro Bowl and named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year

In 2012, Von Miller was selected to the Pro Bowl and was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording 11.5 sacks.

October 20, 2013: Eligible to play after suspension

On October 20, 2013, Von Miller became eligible to play after his six-game suspension, playing against the Indianapolis Colts.

2013: Starting outside linebacker in AFC for 2013 Pro Bowl

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

2014: Returned after ACL injury

In 2014, Von Miller returned for his fourth season with the Broncos after recovering from an ACL injury and earned a Pro Bowl nomination.

March 1, 2016: Broncos placed franchise tag

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

2016: Named to fourth Pro Bowl

In 2016, Von Miller was named to his fourth Pro Bowl and earned his second first-team All-Pro honor.

2016: Finished regular season with 13+1⁄2 sacks

Von Miller finished the 2016 regular season with 13+1⁄2 sacks and 24 quarterback hits. Also, Von Miller earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for week 2 and AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September.

December 19, 2017: Named to sixth Pro Bowl

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

2018: Recorded three sacks and seven tackles

During the Broncos' 2018 season opener against the Seahawks, Von Miller recorded three sacks and seven total tackles.

2019: Selected to seventh Pro Bowl

In 2019, Von Miller was selected to the Pro Bowl as a starting outside linebacker, his seventh career Pro Bowl. He was ranked 10th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.

2020: Pro Bowl Selection and NFL Top 100 Ranking

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 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020 and named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team for the 2010s.

March 2021: Broncos Exercise Contract Option

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

October 21, 2021: Ankle Sprain Against Cleveland Browns

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

November 1, 2021: Trade 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 non-special-teams player from Denver's Super Bowl 50 roster. He chose to wear number 40 for the Rams.

2021: Rams Debut and Season Performance

In 2021, Von Miller played for the Los Angeles Rams, recording 50 tackles, 9+1⁄2 sacks, one pass defended, and one forced fumble in 15 games. He also recorded two sacks in Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals, contributing to the Rams' 23–20 victory.

2021: NFC Championship Game

On January 30, 2022, which was the same date Von Miller's Rams played in the 2021 NFC Championship Game, Von Miller also won on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.

January 30, 2022: Celebrity Wheel of Fortune Appearance

On January 30, 2022, Von Miller appeared on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and won a minimum of $30,000 for his selected charity, Von's Vision.

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March 16, 2022: Signing with Buffalo Bills

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

2022: NFL Top 100 Players Ranking

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

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 on November 1, 2021.

October 7, 2023: Activation from Reserve/PUP List

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

2024: NFL Season and Divisional Round Recovery

In the 2024 season, Von Miller finished with six sacks. In the Divisional Round against the Baltimore Ravens, Miller recovered a fumble to help set up a touchdown score in the Bills' 27–25 win.