Von Miller's 'Best Teammate' Message Resurfaces After Cowboys Decision

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Von Miller's 'Best Teammate' Message Resurfaces After Cowboys Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Aug 17, 2026 10:20 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a 7-9-1 season that left them outside the NFC East race, despite an offense that showed real promise at times. That result has put more scrutiny on Brian Schottenheimer and the kind of culture he's trying to build in Dallas.

The head coach spent much of the offseason talking about creating what he called "the best culture in sports," a line that was easy enough to brush off as standard offseason talk. Training camp has since given some reason to take it seriously.

The Cowboys have made character and accountability a visible focus this summer, and their latest roster move adds another piece to that effort. Dallas confirmed Monday it had agreed to terms with Von Miller, a 15-year veteran known as much for his presence in the locker room as for his production on the field.

Former Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller (40) leaves the field after the game against the Los Angeles Rams.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Miller has never wanted to be viewed as just another name on a roster. He has talked openly about wanting to be the kind of teammate others can count on, and those comments are getting new attention now that his move to Dallas has been made official.

A recent appearance on "The 89 Show" podcast has resurfaced since the signing, one in which Steve Smith asked Miller what he wanted to be remembered for once his career ended. The former Super Bowl MVP’s answer was the kind of thing any locker room would want to hear.

"Other guys come and talk about what type of player he was, I care about that," Miller said. "I care about that deeply… I know I poured my heart and my life into my teammates… Each and every team that I've been on, I've made it a point to be one of the best teammates that I possibly could be on and off the football field. Whether it's making plays for my guys, making my guys better, or just loving guys off the football field. If it's a Hall of Fame from that, I'm definitely in on that. I'm a first ballot Hall of Famer when it comes to being a great teammate."

The two-time Super Bowl champ said what fans remember is out of his control, but how his teammates remember him is something he thinks about constantly.

That kind of message lines up well with what Schottenheimer has been preaching since he took over in Dallas, and Miller gives him another established voice to help carry that standard inside the building.

Across 14 seasons with four teams, Miller has recorded 462 solo tackles, 145 assists, 138.5 sacks, nine fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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