Brief Introduction of Von Miller
Vonnie B’Vsean Miller Jr., widely known as Von Miller, is a highly decorated American professional football linebacker recognized for his exceptional pass-rushing abilities and dominant presence on the field. Born on March 26, 1989, in DeSoto, Texas, Miller has solidified his place as one of the most impactful defensive players of his generation. His career highlights include being a two-time Super Bowl champion, earning Super Bowl MVP honors, and receiving numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. Miller’s dynamic playmaking has left an indelible mark on the National Football League (NFL) over more than a decade.
Von Miller Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vonnie B’Vsean Miller Jr. |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1989 |
| Age | 36 (as of September 2025) |
| Birthplace | DeSoto, Texas, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
| Profession | Professional American Football Player (Linebacker) |
| Current Team | Washington Commanders (as of 2025) |
| Spouse/Partner | Megan Denise (on-again, off-again relationship) |
| Children | Two sons (Valor and Victory), with a third reportedly on the way as of late 2023 |
| Net Worth | $60 million (estimated as of 2025) |
Early Life and Education of Von Miller
Von Miller was born Vonnie B’Vsean Miller Jr. on March 26, 1989, in DeSoto, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. His parents, Von Miller Sr. and Gloria Miller, were both athletes during their high school and college years and own a power supply business. He has a younger brother named Vinsynzie. Miller’s upbringing in Texas saw him develop an early interest in physical activities, with him reportedly learning how to shoot before he learned how to read and write, a testament to his family’s property where he also learned to fish and hunt.
Miller attended DeSoto High School, where he distinguished himself both in football and track and field. As a junior, he recorded impressive statistics, including 37 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and 12 quarterback hurries. His senior year saw him earn the title of District 8-5A Defensive MVP after accumulating 76 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks. In track and field, he competed in events such as the 110-meter hurdles, triple jump, and javelin throw.
Despite being considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and ranked as the nation’s 15th-best weakside defensive end, some college recruiters initially harbored concerns about his size for a defensive lineman. However, his speed and athleticism caught the attention of an assistant coach at Texas A&M University, leading to a scholarship offer. Miller ultimately chose Texas A&M over offers from other prominent universities like Florida, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech.
His college career at Texas A&M University spanned from 2007 to 2010. Initially playing as a defensive end in a 4–2–5 defense, he was named Freshman All-Big 12 by The Sporting News in his first year. A brief setback occurred in spring 2008 when newly hired head coach Mike Sherman suspended Miller for skipping classes and subpar practice performance. This experience prompted Miller to adopt a more serious attitude towards his studies and football. He then shifted to playing as a “jack” position, a defensive end/linebacker hybrid, which allowed him to fully utilize his pass-rushing capabilities. His junior season was a breakout, where he led the nation with 17 sacks and recorded 21.5 tackles for loss, earning him first-team All-American honors. In his senior year (2010), despite suffering a high ankle sprain early in the season, he managed 10.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. That year, he received consensus first-team All-American honors and was awarded the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker. Miller graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in poultry science, a field he later applied to his personal life by raising chickens.
Von Miller’s Career
College Career
At Texas A&M, Von Miller initially played as a defensive end. His transformation into a hybrid outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense during his junior year proved pivotal, showcasing his innate pass-rushing skills. He led the nation in sacks during his junior year with 17 and continued his stellar performance as a senior, accumulating 10.5 sacks despite an early-season ankle injury. His collegiate accolades, including the Butkus Award and multiple All-American selections, cemented his status as a top NFL prospect.
NFL Draft and Denver Broncos (2011–2021)
Von Miller was highly touted in the 2011 NFL Draft, projected as one of the best 3-4 outside linebackers available. He was ultimately selected by the Denver Broncos as the second overall pick, marking the beginning of a remarkable professional career. Miller made an immediate impact, earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2011 after recording 11.5 sacks. He quickly established himself as a dominant force, consistently earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections throughout his tenure with the Broncos.
His most iconic performance came in Super Bowl 50 at the conclusion of the 2015 NFL season. Miller delivered a legendary defensive display against the Carolina Panthers, recording six tackles, two forced fumbles, and 2.5 sacks. His two crucial strip-sacks of then-MVP quarterback Cam Newton directly led to Broncos touchdowns, sealing Denver’s 24-10 victory. For his game-changing efforts, Miller was deservedly named Super Bowl MVP, becoming only the fourth linebacker in NFL history to achieve this honor.
Over his ten seasons with the Broncos, Miller amassed 110.5 sacks, making him the franchise’s all-time sack leader. He was a cornerstone of the Broncos’ defense and continued to be a Pro Bowl-level player, even recording his 100th career regular season sack in 2019. He was also named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
Los Angeles Rams (2021)
In a significant mid-season trade in 2021, Miller was traded from the Denver Broncos to the Los Angeles Rams. This move proved beneficial for Miller, as he joined a star-studded Rams defense and contributed to their Super Bowl LVI victory. He continued his Super Bowl prowess, recording two sacks in the championship game, tying the record for most career Super Bowl sacks with 4.5.
Buffalo Bills (2022–2024)
Following his second Super Bowl win, Miller signed a lucrative six-year, $120 million contract with the Buffalo Bills on March 16, 2022. The deal included an average annual value of $20 million and $45 million guaranteed at signing. He started strong with the Bills, recording two sacks in his debut and eight sacks in his first 11 games. However, his tenure was impacted by an ACL injury suffered in late 2022, which caused him to miss the remainder of that season. He returned in 2023 but struggled to regain his previous form, collecting only three combined tackles and zero sacks in twelve regular season games, later admitting he “probably should not have played” that year. In 2024, he showed a modest resurgence with six sacks as a rotational pass rusher.
Washington Commanders (2025–Present)
After being released by the Buffalo Bills in March 2025 in a cost-cutting move, Von Miller signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders. This move marked his return to the NFC East and an opportunity to continue his career as a veteran leader and pass-rushing specialist. He joined the Commanders with confidence in his ability to still make a significant impact, particularly with his experience and knowledge of the game.
Von Miller Personal Life & Family
Von Miller’s personal life is rooted in his close-knit family from DeSoto, Texas. His parents, Von Miller Sr. and Gloria Miller, provided a supportive environment, and his father has often been a source of advice throughout his career. He has a younger brother, Vinsynzie.
Miller has been in an on-again, off-again relationship with model Megan Denise since 2018. Together, they share two sons: Valor, born in August 2021, and Victory, born on February 7, 2023. As of late 2023, reports indicated they were expecting their third child. Their relationship has seen public challenges, including past social media disputes and assault allegations, which Miller has denied.
Beyond the football field, Miller maintains a unique interest stemming from his college education. Having majored in poultry science at Texas A&M, he operates his own chicken farm in his spare time.
Awards and Achievements of Von Miller
| Award/Achievement | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| 2x Super Bowl Champion | 2015 (Super Bowl 50, Denver Broncos), 2021 (Super Bowl LVI, Los Angeles Rams) |
| Super Bowl MVP | 2015 (Super Bowl 50) |
| NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year | 2011 |
| First-team All-Pro | 2012, 2015, 2016 |
| Second-team All-Pro | 2011, 2014, 2017, 2018 |
| Pro Bowl Selection | 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 (8 selections) |
| NFL 2010s All-Decade Team | 2010s |
| Butkus Award (Professional) | 2012 |
| PFWA All-Rookie Team | 2011 |
| Butkus Award (College) | 2010 |
| Jack Lambert Trophy | 2010 |
| Consensus All-American | 2010 |
| First-team All-American | 2009, 2010 |
| First-team All-Big 12 | 2009, 2010 |
| NFL Record (tied) | Most career sacks in the Super Bowl (4.5) |
| Denver Broncos Franchise Record | Most career sacks (110.5) |
| Walter Camp Alumni Award | 2019 |
Von Miller Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Von Miller’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $60 million. His substantial wealth has been accumulated through a highly successful NFL career, marked by lucrative contracts and endorsement deals. At various points in his career, Miller has been one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, notably earning $35 million in salary and endorsements between June 2017 and June 2018.
Key income sources include his significant NFL contracts. For instance, in 2016, he signed a six-year, $114.5 million deal with the Denver Broncos, which included $70 million in guaranteed money, making him one of the highest-paid defenders in league history at the time. Later, in 2022, he signed a six-year, $120 million contract with the Buffalo Bills, featuring an $18.525 million signing bonus and $51.435 million guaranteed. In 2024, he restructured his contract with the Bills, reducing his base salary but still earning a total of $8.5 million for the year. His current one-year deal with the Washington Commanders for 2025 is valued at $6.1 million, with the potential to reach $10.5 million through incentives.
Beyond his football salary, Miller has diversified his income through various endorsement deals with brands like Adidas and EA Sports. He has also made strategic investments, including in real estate and his poultry farming venture, showcasing his business acumen.
Legacy and Influence
Von Miller’s legacy is defined by his profound impact as one of the most dominant defensive players of his generation. His electrifying pass-rushing skills and clutch performances in critical moments, particularly his Super Bowl 50 MVP showing, have cemented his place in NFL history. His two Super Bowl championships with different franchises further underscore his ability to elevate team performance.
Off the field, Miller is recognized for his philanthropic efforts through the Von’s Vision Foundation. Established in 2012, the foundation is dedicated to providing low-income students with access to free eye exams and fashionable, corrective eyewear. Miller founded Von’s Vision after recalling his own challenges as a child who sometimes went to school without glasses or faced teasing because of them. The foundation hosts “Von’s Vision Days” and other programs, having gifted over $5.1 million in eye care and eyewear to students across the country since its inception. His commitment to this cause highlights his desire to help children succeed in school and life by addressing vision-related barriers.
His public image is largely that of a charismatic and impactful player, known for his distinctive style and engaging personality. He is seen as a role model by many young athletes, demonstrating that excellence on the field can be paired with meaningful contributions to the community.
Interesting Facts about Von Miller
- Poultry Farmer: Von Miller holds a degree in poultry science from Texas A&M University and actively raises chickens in his spare time on his own farm.
- Early Hunting Education: Miller once revealed that he learned how to shoot before he learned how to read and write, a skill acquired on his family’s property in Texas.
- Childhood Asthma: As a child, Miller suffered from asthma, with his mother reportedly packing a nebulizer for his Boy Scout camping trips.
- Nickname “Chinese Dragon”: Former teammate Garett Bolles gave Miller the nickname “Chinese Dragon,” observing that his movements on the field, with twists and turns, resembled the traditional Chinese dragon dances.
- Jersey Number Tribute: Miller wears jersey number 58 as a tribute to the late Derrick Thomas, his favorite football player.
Controversies
Like many public figures, Von Miller has faced controversies during his career. In 2013, he received a six-game suspension without pay from the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. This incident served as a significant setback early in his career and highlighted the scrutiny professional athletes face regarding off-field conduct.
More recently, in November 2023, Miller was accused of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend, Megan Denise, at their Dallas apartment. An arrest warrant was issued for a charge of third-degree felony assault of a pregnant woman, and Miller subsequently turned himself in, being released on a $5,000 bond. Police reports indicated minor abrasions on Denise’s hand, bruising on her abdomen and biceps, and marks on her neck. Miller publicly denied the allegations, stating they were “100 percent false” and “blown out of proportion,” and Denise later reportedly recanted her initial statements, with the legal case eventually closed without criminal charges being filed. Despite no criminal charges, the NFL conducted its own investigation and, in October 2024, suspended Miller for four games without pay for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Social Media Presence
Von Miller maintains an active and significant presence across various social media platforms, connecting with fans and sharing updates on his life and career. His primary platforms include:
- Instagram: @vonmiller
He frequently posts about his football endeavors, personal life, and philanthropic work. His Instagram presence is substantial, reflecting his popularity as an NFL star. - X (formerly Twitter): @VonMiller
Miller also uses X to engage with his followers, share his thoughts, and provide insights into his professional journey. - Twitch: vonmiller
He also streams gaming content and interacts with fans on Twitch, with proceeds from his channel benefiting Von’s Vision.
Final Words about Von Miller
As Von Miller enters his fourteenth NFL season in 2025 with the Washington Commanders, his career continues to be a testament to resilience, exceptional talent, and enduring impact. Having secured two Super Bowl championships, a Super Bowl MVP award, and numerous individual honors, he has firmly established himself among the elite defensive players in NFL history. Despite navigating significant injuries and personal challenges, Miller has consistently demonstrated the drive to compete at the highest level.
His move to the Commanders represents a new chapter, where he is expected to bring veteran leadership and his renowned pass-rushing prowess to a developing defense. Beyond the gridiron, his dedication to Von’s Vision Foundation highlights a legacy that extends far beyond statistics, aiming to improve the lives of countless children. Von Miller’s journey is one of sustained excellence, adaptability, and a commitment to making a difference, both on and off the football field, solidifying his status as a respected figure in American football.