History of Von Miller in Timeline
Vonnie B'VSean Miller is an American football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos as the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft after a successful college career at Texas A&M, where he was recognized as a consensus All-American and awarded the prestigious Butkus Award.
March 26, 1989: Birth of Von Miller
Vonnie B'VSean Miller was born on March 26, 1989.
1992: Aggies' Highest Draft Pick Since Quentin Coryatt
Von Miller's selection in the 2011 NFL Draft marked him as the highest-drafted player from Texas A&M since Quentin Coryatt, who was selected second overall in 1992.
1999: First Aggie First-Team All-American since 1999
In 2009, Von Miller became the first Texas A&M Aggie to be named a first-team All-American since Jason Webster achieved the honor in 1999.
2000: Highest-Drafted Linebacker Since LaVar Arrington
Von Miller's selection as the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft made him the highest-drafted linebacker since LaVar Arrington in 2000.
2007: High School Football Recruit
In 2007, Von Miller was a highly sought-after four-star football recruit, ranked as the number-15 weakside defensive end in the nation. He ultimately chose to play college football at Texas A&M University.
2007: Freshman Season at Texas A&M
Von Miller began his college football career at Texas A&M University in 2007, playing as a defensive end. He was named Freshman All-Big 12 by The Sporting News for his performance.
2008: Sophomore Season at Texas A&M
As a sophomore in 2008, Von Miller played at weakside linebacker for the Texas A&M Aggies. He appeared in all 12 games, leading the team with 3.5 sacks.
2008: Suspension and Turning Point
In 2008, during his time at Texas A&M, Von Miller faced a suspension during the spring season due to academic and behavioral issues. This experience served as a turning point, prompting him to adopt a more serious attitude towards his academics and athletics.
2009: Breakout Season
Von Miller had a breakout season as a junior in 2009, leading the nation in sacks with 17 and earning first-team All-American honors.
2010: Projected Second-Round Pick
Had Von Miller entered the 2010 NFL Draft, he was projected to be a second-round pick. However, he chose to play his senior season at Texas A&M.
2010: End of College Football Career
In 2010, Von Miller concluded his college football career at Texas A&M University. He had played for the Texas A&M Aggies football team from 2007 to 2010.
2010: Butkus Award and All-American Honors
Von Miller won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker in 2010. He was also recognized as a consensus first-team All-American for his outstanding performance during his senior year at Texas A&M.
March 2011: NFL Labor Union Talks and Comparisons
In March 2011, Von Miller was selected to represent top rookies in the NFL Labor Union talks. His talent drew comparisons to NFL legends, including Derrick Thomas and Joey Porter.
March 2011: Impressive Pro Day Performance
At the Texas A&M Pro Day in March 2011, Von Miller impressed scouts with a 4.49-second 40-yard dash time, showcasing his speed and athleticism.
July 28, 2011: Signing with the Denver Broncos
On July 28, 2011, Von Miller officially signed his rookie contract with the Denver Broncos, solidifying his place in the NFL.
September 12, 2011: First Career Play
On September 12, 2011, Von Miller made an immediate impact in his NFL debut, forcing a fumble in his first career play from scrimmage against the Oakland Raiders.
September 18, 2011: First Career Sack
Von Miller recorded his first career sack against Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals on September 18, 2011.
2011: Drafted into the NFL
Von Miller was selected by the Denver Broncos as the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. This marked the beginning of his professional football career.
2011: Strong Start to Second Season
Von Miller continued to excel in his second season, recording 10 sacks in the first nine games of 2012, surpassing his sack total from his rookie year.
October 2012: Driving-Related Charges
In October 2012, Von Miller faced driving-related charges that later led to a warrant for his arrest in August 2013.
December 26, 2012: Pro Bowl Selection
On December 26, 2012, Von Miller was selected to start as the outside linebacker for the AFC in the 2013 Pro Bowl, marking his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.
2012: Von Miller's DeSoto Shuffle Dance Creation
In 2012, Von Miller teamed up with Ubisoft, makers of the video game The Hip Hop Dance Experience, to create his own sack celebration dance called the "DeSoto Shuffle." Each time he performed the dance during a game, Ubisoft made a charitable donation to Von's Vision, a foundation devoted to providing eye care and glasses to underprivileged youth. This initiative combined Miller's love for dance and charity work in 2012.
2012: Defensive Rookie of the Year
Von Miller's impressive rookie season in 2012 earned him the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award, recognizing his impact on the Denver Broncos' defense.
July 2013: Suspension Reported by ESPN
In July 2013, ESPN reported that Von Miller had been suspended for four games for violating league policy, pending appeal. He tweeted that he did "nothing wrong." This sparked controversy and challenges for Miller in July 2013.
August 2013: Suspension Increased to Six Games
In August 2013, Von Miller lost his appeal against the suspension and was suspended for six games after the NFL learned he attempted to cheat a drug test. This increased the severity of his punishment and marked a significant challenge in his career in August 2013.
August 2013: Arrested on Warrant
In August 2013, Von Miller was arrested due to a failure to appear warrant related to driving-related charges from October 2012.
September 2013: Cited for Speeding and Driving with Suspended License
In September 2013, Von Miller received citations for speeding and driving with a suspended license in Arapahoe County, Colorado.
October 20, 2013: Return to Play After Suspension
Von Miller became eligible to play on October 20, 2013, when the Broncos played the Indianapolis Colts. This marked his return to the field after serving a six-game suspension in October 2013.
December 22, 2013: Season-Ending ACL Injury
On December 22, 2013, Von Miller suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a win on the road at the Houston Texans. This injury prematurely ended his season, a significant challenge in his career in December 2013.
2013: NFL Top 100 Players Ranking
Von Miller was ranked 9th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013, highlighting his impressive performance and recognition by peers during the 2013 season.
2013: Breaking Broncos' Sack Record
Von Miller broke the Denver Broncos' single-season sack record in 2012, surpassing Elvis Dumervil's previous record of 17 sacks.
2014: Pro Bowl Nomination and NFL Top 100 Ranking
After recovering from his ACL injury, Von Miller returned for his fourth season with the Broncos, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Month for October. He recorded 14 sacks, 59 tackles, and a forced fumble. He earned a Pro Bowl nomination and was ranked 33rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015 for his performance in 2014.
2014: Ranked 76th on NFL Top 100 Players
Despite facing challenges in the previous year, Von Miller was ranked 76th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014, showing his resilience and continued recognition in the league in 2014.
September 17, 2015: Third-Fastest Player to 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 just 58 games. This remarkable achievement placed him in elite company, trailing only Reggie White and Derrick Thomas in reaching this mark in September 2015.
2015: NFL Top 100 Players Ranking
Von Miller was ranked 33rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015, highlighting his continued excellence and recognition in the league in 2015.
2015: Super Bowl 50 MVP
Von Miller was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl 50, following the Denver Broncos' victory.
March 1, 2016: Exclusive Franchise Tag and Historic Contract
On March 1, 2016, the Broncos placed the exclusive franchise tag on Von Miller. Later, on July 15, Miller signed a 6-year deal worth $114.5 million, featuring $70 million guaranteed. This contract made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history at that time.
March 8, 2016: Joins "Dancing with the Stars"
On March 8, 2016, Von Miller was announced as a contestant on season 22 of "Dancing with the Stars."
May 2, 2016: Eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars"
On May 2, 2016, Von Miller and his dance partner were eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars," finishing in eighth place.
2016: Fourth Pro Bowl and NFL Top 100 Ranking
In 2016, Von Miller was named to his fourth Pro Bowl, earned his second first-team All-Pro, and was ranked 15th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016, marking another year of significant achievements and recognition in 2016.
2016: Multiple Defensive Awards and Top NFL Ranking
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. He finished the season with 13.5 sacks and 24 quarterback hits. Despite not recording a sack in the last four games, he was named to his fifth career and third consecutive Pro Bowl, his third first-team All-Pro, and was ranked second by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.
December 19, 2017: Sixth Pro Bowl Selection
On December 19, 2017, Von Miller was named to his sixth Pro Bowl. He was later named the 2018 Pro Bowl defensive MVP, showing his continued excellence and recognition by his peers in December 2017.
2017: Highest Ranked Defensive Player
In 2017, Von Miller was ranked second by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017, making him the highest-ranked defensive player in the league that year.
April 2018: Allegation of Illegal Fishing
In April 2018, while on a fishing trip in Florida, Von Miller was accused of illegally catching and releasing a hammerhead shark.
2018: Pro Bowl Defensive MVP
In 2018, Von Miller was named the Pro Bowl defensive MVP and recorded his fourth consecutive season with at least 10 sacks. He was ranked ninth by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018, highlighting his consistent performance and recognition in 2018.
2018: 2018 Season Opener Performance
In the Broncos' 2018 season opener against the Seahawks, Von Miller recorded three sacks and seven total tackles in the 27–24 victory. His performance in this game showcased his defensive prowess at the start of the 2018 season.
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 do so. This significant milestone further solidified his status as an elite defensive player in 2018.
2019: Seventh Pro Bowl Selection
In 2019, Von Miller was selected to the 2019 Pro Bowl as a starting outside linebacker, marking his seventh career and fifth consecutive Pro Bowl selection. He was ranked 10th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019, highlighting his continued excellence and recognition in 2019.
April 2020: Diagnosed with COVID-19
In April 2020, Von Miller was diagnosed with COVID-19 but recovered by the following month.
September 8, 2020: Season-Ending Ankle Injury
During practice on September 8, 2020, Von Miller suffered a dislocated peroneal tendon, a severe injury that placed him on injured reserve and effectively ended his season. This injury was a major setback for Miller in September 2020.
2020: Pro Bowl Selection and Hall of Fame All-Decade Team
In 2020, Von Miller was selected to the Pro Bowl as a starting outside linebacker for the eighth time in his career and sixth consecutive year. Additionally, he was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team for the 2010s, reflecting his dominance and impact throughout the decade.
March 2021: Broncos Exercise 2021 Contract Option
In March 2021, the Broncos exercised the 2021 year option in Von Miller's contract, ensuring he remained with the team for the final year of his contract. This move guaranteed $7 million of his base salary of $17.5 million for the 2021 season.
October 21, 2021: Final Game as a Bronco
On October 21, 2021, Von Miller sprained his ankle against the Cleveland Browns, which ended up being his final game as a Bronco. This injury marked the end of an era for Miller with the Broncos in October 2021.
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 of the trade, Miller was the longest-tenured Bronco and the only remaining non-special-teams player from Denver's Super Bowl 50 roster. In an emotional interview, Miller expressed his deep connection to Broncos Country.
2021: Previous Assault Accusation
In 2021, Von Miller faced an assault accusation from his girlfriend, although no charges were filed at the time.
2021: Rams Season and Super Bowl Victory
In the 2021 season, Von Miller joined the Rams and recorded 50 tackles, 9.5 sacks, one pass defended, and one forced fumble in 15 games. He made significant contributions in key games, helping the Rams win Super Bowl LVI 23–20 against the Bengals. Miller recorded two sacks in the game, tying Charles Haley's record for most career Super Bowl sacks at 4.5.
2021: Rams Play in NFC Championship Game
In 2021, Von Miller's team at the time, the Los Angeles Rams, played in the NFC Championship Game.
2021: Trade to the Los Angeles Rams
In 2021, Von Miller was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, where he continued his NFL career.
2021: Holds Broncos Franchise Records
As of 2021, when Von Miller left the Denver Broncos, he held five franchise records for sacks.
January 30, 2022: Wins on "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune"
On January 30, 2022, Von Miller appeared on "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" and won $30,000 for his charity, Von's Vision.
March 16, 2022: Signs with Buffalo Bills
On March 16, 2022, Von Miller signed a six-year, $120 million contract with the Buffalo Bills.
December 1, 2022: Placed on Injured Reserve
On December 1, 2022, following an ACL tear discovered during surgery, Von Miller was placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for the rest of the season.
2022: Most Career Sacks Among Active Players
As of 2022, Von Miller holds the record for the most career sacks among active NFL players.
2022: NFL Top 100 Players Ranking
In 2022, Von Miller was ranked 93rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022, acknowledging his impactful performance and contributions during the previous season.
2022: Super Bowl LVI Victory
Von Miller helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI 23–20 against the Bengals. Miller recorded two sacks in the game, tying Charles Haley's record for most career Super Bowl sacks at 4.5. This victory added another championship to Miller's career accomplishments in 2022.
October 7, 2023: Activated from PUP List
On October 7, 2023, Von Miller was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
November 2023: Assault Allegations and Recantation
In November 2023, Von Miller faced assault allegations from his girlfriend, who later recanted the claims. This incident involved injuries to the girlfriend and police involvement.
November 29, 2023: Alleged Domestic Assault Incident
On November 29, 2023, an alleged domestic assault incident occurred involving Von Miller and his girlfriend at their Dallas home, leading to his arrest on November 30th.
November 30, 2023: Accused of Assault
On November 30, 2023, an arrest warrant was issued for Von Miller based on accusations of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend. He later turned himself in and was released on bond.