After a standout freshman campaign at Texas A&M in 2007, Von Miller‘s future fell into peril in the offseason. Texas A&M hired head coach Mike Sherman in November 2007, and he quickly grew displeased with Miller’s academic issues. In turn, Sherman suspended Miller during spring training in 2008. During an appearance on Glory Daze with […]
After a standout freshman campaign at Texas A&M in 2007, Von Miller‘s future fell into peril in the offseason. Texas A&M hired head coach Mike Sherman in November 2007, and he quickly grew displeased with Miller’s academic issues.
In turn, Sherman suspended Miller during spring training in 2008. During an appearance on Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel, Miller reflected on that difficult period of his life.
“You had to buy in. It was rough for me. I ended up getting suspended,” Miller said. “… I had to have a reality check on what I wanted to do and what I wanted to be. And I thought about transferring, and my dad was like, ‘No.’
“I ended up coming back, ended up doing a suspension, and [my] junior year, I led the NCAA in sacks with 17.5. So, it’s crazy how those things work, man. You just buy in. And it wasn’t just on the football field, it was in the classroom too.”
Miller saw action in all 12 games in 2008, tallying 44 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. While Miller had a solid season, it wasn’t until the 2009 campaign when he was moved to a more pass-rushing heavy role that he stepped into the spotlight.
In 2009, Von Miller led the country with 17 sacks, while amassing 21.5 tackles for loss and 47 total tackles. He also notched five pass deflections and a career-high four forced fumbles. Alas, none of it would’ve been possible if Miller had left Texas A&M when times got tough. The eight-time Pro-Bowler hasn’t forgotten that today.
“We bought into everything that [Sherman] was saying, whether it was the military stuff, whether it was how to address the media. That mindset that he instilled in me, today I’m still that that same Von.
“It’s crazy how my life, everything about my life, just just sprouted from there, whether it be the chicken farm or whether it be my NFL career or whether it be the type of locker room guy that I am or the type of person I am outside of the locker room. It all sprouted from Coach Sherman… He’s been a huge part of my life. I love Coach Sherman, man.”
With Sherman’s lessons echoing inside his head, Miller has won two Super Bowls and will look to add to his résumé this year. Miller signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders this offseason. The Commanders reached the NFC Championship last season before falling to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Category: General Sports
