The Los Angeles Rams acquired outside linebacker Von Miller as part of their mantra of going all in for the Super Bowl.
The gamble paid off as Miller became a key contributor to the Rams’ victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Winning Super Bowls for two franchises is a feat in itself.
But doing so with at least two sacks in each of those games further cements his Hall of Fame credentials.
However, the Super Bowl 50 Most Valuable Player revealed that his motivation for winning his second title goes beyond personal gratification.
A tweet from the NFL said, “@VonMiller did it for Demaryius Thomas.”
It also featured a quote from Miller, saying “I don’t think I’ve ever played for more in my career. I was playing for [Demaryius Thomas].”
Miller dedicated the victory to the late wide receiver who he played with for eight seasons with the Denver Broncos.
Miller’s Bond With Thomas Runs Deep
Thomas entered the league as the 22nd overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft.
A year later, Miller became the second pick behind Cam Newton.
They played together until 2018 when Thomas was dealt to the Houston Texans.
The wideout had a successful stint with the Broncos, becoming a two-time Second-Team All-Pro and a four-time Pro Bowler.
But both players formed an eternal link when they won Super Bowl 50 together.
Thomas went on to play for the New England Patriots and the New York Jets before retiring in 2019.
Meanwhile, Miller got traded to the Rams midway through the 2021 season in exchange for Los Angeles’ second and third-round picks in the 2022 draft.
Thomas passed away on December 9, 2021, 16 days before his 34th birthday, due to complications of injuries suffered from a car crash.
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