Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller reacts after bunting for a single during the All-Star Celebrity Softball Game at Coors Field. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos star pass rusher Von Miller talks injury, Aaron Rodgers

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 7/14/21

If you saw Von Miller participating in the celebrity softball game during the MLB All-Star festivities, you might have been wondering if it was a sign the linebacker will return to the gridiron healthy this upcoming NFL season.

In fact, the Denver Broncos star recently said he's getting very close to returning after a severe ankle injury sidelined him for the entire 2020 campaign.

"I’m feeling good. My ankle is about 94 percent," the Super Bowl 50 MVP told Mike Klis of 9News. "The (other) six percent I've got to get rushing the passer in practice with pads on, leaning on guys, guys leaning on me. I haven’t rushed the passer in over a year. Haven’t played in a game in longer than that."

.@VonMiller is ready for the @MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game. pic.twitter.com/v0T1pUrcIM
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 11, 2021

Miller sustained a dislocated peroneal tendon less than a week before the opening of last season and required surgery. While the injury and subsequent setback might have other players thinking about retirement, the 32-year-old Miller maintains he has no plans to hang up his cleats just yet.

"I’ve got a son," Miller said. "He’ll be here in about three or four weeks. I definitely want him to be able to see me play. That’s going to take about five to seven years. That’s what I have on my heart, that’s what I have on my mind, another five to seven years. Whatever God will give me, I’m going to take it."

Not surprisingly, Miller was also asked for his two cents regarding the NFL's favorite topic as of late — where Aaron Rodgers will play. Miller offered up that, while he is very comfortable playing with Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock, he wouldn't put it past the Broncos front office to make a run at the disgruntled Green Bay quarterback.

"John Elway, he's done a great job of working the big-time guys before," Miller complimented. "Peyton (Manning) and DeMarcus (Lawrence) and Aqib (Talib) — all these other guys. So if there's a guy to be had, G.P. (Broncos GM George Paton) and John Elway are the two to put on it, if it can be done."

Broncos training camp opens up on July 28.

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