Few Denver Broncos players have made as large an impact on the franchise as linebacker Von Miller, and even though he hasn't played in the Mile High City in two years, he still remains a legend there.
Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, spent 10 and a half seasons in Denver and helped change the course of the franchise. The eight-time Pro Bowl selection holds Broncos team records with 110.5 sacks, 142 tackles for loss, 225 quarterback hits and 25 forced fumbles, and no one else is particularly close to him in those stats. In Super Bowl 50, Miller led the Broncos to a 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. He won Super Bowl MVP after posting six total tackles, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass defense.
When Miller eventually decides to hang up his cleats, it won't be long before the Broncos retire his No. 58 jersey.
On Monday night, though, the Broncos faithful will see Miller in a new light. With Denver traveling to face the Buffalo Bills, this marks the first time that Miller will face off against his former team, not counting a preseason matchup between these two clubs last year. Not many Broncos remain from Miller's time there, but the few that are still there sung his praises ahead of the big matchup.
“The name Von Miller speaks for itself,’’ offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz told 9News. “He’s a phenomenal player. I think it’s going to be cool to be sharing the field against him. He’s probably excited, or whatever, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to go against the entire Bills defense, and they’ve got a great defense over there.”
Meinerz was drafted in 2021, so he only got to play with Miller for his last handful of games in Denver. Even for a rookie at the time, it's still clear to see how much Miller means to the franchise. Cornerback Patrick Surtain, another 2021 draft pick by Denver, expressed similar sentiments about facing his former teammate.
“Von was a great teammate, a great leader, a great mentor. I’m looking forward to seeing him again on the field. Obviously, it’s going to be different not seeing him in orange and blue but it’s going to be great seeing him overall.”
Miller's time in Denver came to an emotional end when the Broncos traded him to the Los Angeles Rams at the 2021 trade deadline. After helping the Rams win Super Bowl 56, the 34-year-old inked a massive six-year deal with the Bills. Miller played well in his first year in Buffalo, until a torn ACL ended his season prematurely.
The future Hall of Fame linebacker is still trying to find his rhythm after the injury, but perhaps a game against his former team could be just what the doctor ordered.
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