Veteran linebacker Von Miller recently shared the reasons behind his careful decision to sign with the Washington Football Team. In his 15th year in the NFL, Miller expressed his excitement about joining Washington after spending four months without a team. The former Buffalo Bills star emphasized that this move was motivated by his deep passion for winning and his desire to be part of a team committed to success.
Reflecting on the gap in his career, Miller said,
“Back when you were young, you was like, ‘Man, why we gotta go to OTA’s man? I wish I was home, man.’ And you sit on the couch for four months and it’s like, ‘Man, I wish I was in OTAs, man.’ … The Washington Redskins called me a month and a half ago and started talking. And agreed to come here to Washington about a week and a day ago. Yeah, about a week and a day ago. And here I am so excited to be here.”
—Von Miller, Linebacker
Why Winning Was Central to Miller’s Decision to Join Washington
Miller highlighted that his move to Washington was a well-thought-out choice grounded in the team’s shared mentality centered around winning. He acknowledged his reluctance to leave behind the Buffalo Bills’ AFC championship run but stressed the importance of being part of a team that prioritizes victory above all else.
He stated,
“Yeah, it was extremely intentional coming here. You just can’t leave [Buffalo Bills QB] Josh Allen and go anywhere, man. You just can’t go from the AFC championship and just go anywhere. And whenever you get older too, losses, they pile up. It seems like they just hit way harder than what they used to when you were young. And this team is all about winning, I’m all about winning. Whatever it takes to win, I’m going to do. That’s on and off the football field. It’s nothing like winning. It is nothing like the locker room. It’s nothing like coming in here and talking to you guys after a win. It’s all good after a win. So, that’s why I’m here is to win. And I understand that the goal is to win them all, but in reality we are going to have some struggles and going to have some adversity, that’s all good too because most of the time adversity reveals character and it’s all good medicine at the end of the day, and it’ll all just feed back into the main goal, and that’s to win. So, this team is all about winning, I’m all about winning, and it was a good marriage.”
—Von Miller, Linebacker
Washington’s Coaching Staff Plans to Utilize Miller’s Pass-Rushing Expertise
The coaching staff led by Head Coach Dan Quinn and General Manager Adam Peters intends to leverage Miller’s renowned pass-rushing skills. Miller described their plans to focus on what he does best: rushing the quarterback. Even at 36 years old, Miller emphasized his ability to quickly pressure the passer as a fundamental strength he brings to Washington.
Miller remarked,
“Yeah, they going to let me rush [laughs]. They going to let me rush, that’s what I do, that’s what I do. I can still roll out the bed at 36 years old with my house shoes on and still rush the passer. There’s other stuff that I gotta work at to get better at, of course, but the main thing for me is rushing the passer. I can do that right when I wake up fresh out of sleep. So, love rushing the passer. And then I’m a team guy too. I’m a team guy through and through. Those are the two things that I toot my horn on.”
—Von Miller, Linebacker
He also spoke about his leadership style, emphasizing his long experience around football and his desire to contribute positively to the locker room from the front office to the coaching staff and training personnel. Miller expressed enthusiasm for the new environment and praised the local culinary scene as a pleasant surprise.
The Familiarity and Respect for Head Coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters
Miller shared how he quickly developed a connection with Head Coach Dan Quinn, despite meeting him only recently. He said that the respect Quinn holds among players and coaches created a sense of familiarity and trust, which contributed to his decision to join the team. General Manager Adam Peters also impressed Miller through previous interactions during his time shadowing front office executives.
He explained,
“It’s crazy, I had felt like I’ve known Dan Quinn for so long, and I had met him for the first time about two months ago when I came here… So, he’s a player’s coach. All the rumors about him are true, he’s a great coach, he’s a great man. I’m excited to play for him. AP [Peters] is great too… So, it was just a great merger all the way around coming here and playing for these guys, and of course they got [QB] Jayden Daniels, he’s one of best quarterbacks in the leagues already. Defense is really, really good too. So, it was just, everything just added up for me to be able to come in here and do what I do.”
—Von Miller, Linebacker
Miller’s Assessment of His Continued Playing Ability
Reflecting on his physical condition, Miller expressed optimism about his ability to perform at a high level despite age. He acknowledged some natural decline in quickness but remains confident in his effectiveness and awareness on the field. For Miller, maintaining this balance has been a lifelong pursuit as he continues to compete at the NFL level.
He said,
“Yeah, I like to be optimistic about everything… When I put the cleats on and I get in my stance, I can just feel it. Still quick off the ball, still twitchy, probably not as twitchy as I was before, like when I was 21 years old, that’s just life. But I still got enough twitch to still go out here and do what I do and be effective in the game. And yeah, I still feel like I have something to give to the game on and off the football field… So, I’m still in that sweet spot and I’m doing everything in my power to stay there.”
—Von Miller, Linebacker
Growing Smarter: Miller’s Mental Approach to Football
Miller emphasized that learning through repetition has enhanced his mental sharpness and football IQ throughout his career. He noted that while physically the game has a limit, understanding defenses and varying terminology allows him to keep adapting, even when faced with new teams and coaching methods.
He described his mindset,
“I think repetition is the father of learning. You just see so many different things… So, once you experience so many different defenses, you play so many different offenses… you just start to learn and you’re just able to pick up on it a little bit faster… The trick is just to learn the terminology so you can learn defense and learn how you fit but the mental side for me is where I tend to spend most of my time. I’m still sharp up there, still haven’t lost any fast twitch or get off up there. And I like to spend a lot of time mentally and especially with my mentality and mindset. Mindset is everything. I come to work. I’m ready to learn. I still feel like a rookie when I’m in there learning the guys. It definitely feels like I’m a rookie again, going through new defenses and new players and new coaches, but I just embrace it and it’s a gift to be here. And I love to stay sharp mentally and just learn new defenses and we got a good one here.”
—Von Miller, Linebacker
Building Chemistry with Assistant Defensive Line Coach Ryan Kerrigan
Miller recalled meeting Ryan Kerrigan during a visit to Washington and connecting over their shared training history. Both athletes prepared for the NFL combine together, and Kerrigan’s strength pushed Miller to improve. Now with Kerrigan serving as a coach, Miller embraces the new dynamic, respecting his former training partner’s role as a mentor.
Miller shared,
“I had met with Ryan when I came here on my visit… We trained together coming out for the combine. He, as you guys remember, the local press here, he was huge… It’s definitely cool, man. We came in together, we train together and now he’s coaching me. So, it’s definitely a different dynamic. I still, ‘Yes sir, coach, how’s it going, coach.’ But we the same age, so it is all good, man. I got all the respect in the world for RK man, and I’m excited to continue to work with him.”
—Von Miller, Linebacker
Adaptation to Veteran Rest Days and Managing Longevity
Addressing questions about his approach to veteran rest days, Miller clarified he enjoys these breaks and recognizes their importance in preserving performance and health as he ages. He acknowledged that earlier in his career, he pushed himself harder but now understands the need to be realistic and prioritize recovery.
Miller explained,
“That information might not be true because I love a vet day [laughs]. I love vet Day… But as you get older, you gotta be based in reality too. And you can’t just wear yourself down out there. I try to push my ego and my pride to the side and just get away from comparisons and just run my own race… having a vet day is always good too. And to be able to rest and recover so you can be at your best while you’re out there is amazing too.”
—Von Miller, Linebacker
The Mentorship Role Miller Hopes to Play for Younger Teammates
Miller conveyed his eagerness to serve as a mentor to younger players, sharing the wealth of knowledge he has amassed from playing alongside and against some of the NFL’s best. He believes in passing down lessons learned both on and off the field to support the next generation of talent.
He stated,
“I think it’s just based on the defensive side of the ball. Not only on the defensive side of the ball, I played with some great quarterbacks too… I’m just able to pay all the information that I’ve learned from all of those guys forward… Especially I love being around the young guys. That’s one of the things that, really selfishly, that it makes me feel good to be able to tell somebody some information that they wouldn’t normally would’ve had before. And things that I tell them, I don’t tell them what I was doing, I tell them what I should have been doing… So, I still love working with the young guys and that’s something that I’ll be able to offer to this team.”
—Von Miller, Linebacker
Natural Talent and Training Maintain Miller’s Athletic Edge
Miller credited both natural ability and dedicated training to his sustained athleticism. He mentioned biohacking techniques and recovery practices such as cold tubs that help him stay healthy and competitive as he continues his NFL career.
He shared,
“I think it’s a little bit of both. Thank you, I appreciate it. God is so good, he blessed me with this gift. It’s just, it’s still there. I’m still doing the same thing that I’ve been doing my whole entire career and it’s still there. As fast as it used to be, probably not, but it’s still effective. And yeah, all the biohacking stuff and cold tub, I pretty much do everything in the training room to try to stay healthy. So, I just try to stay on top of my game so I can play as long as possible.”
—Von Miller, Linebacker
The Meaning Behind Choosing Jersey Number 24
Miller explained his choice of the number 24 jersey, which carries special significance for him beyond convenience. With his previous numbers taken, 24 resonated due to personal connections, including honoring a high school teammate who became paralyzed, as well as paying tribute to NFL greats.
He explained,
“So, well, 58 was taken and then 40 was taken too. I didn’t want to be that guy to come in here and, it’s not that serious. I just want to win games. I’ll put on whatever number you want me to… 24, it just spoke to me. I’ve only worn four numbers my whole entire career… And I wore 24 for one game in college. One of my high school alumni, he had got injured, he was paralyzed from the neck down. His name was Cory Borner and me and my teammate Cyrus Gray at Texas A&M we both wore 24. That was his number that he wore in high school. So, we both wore 24 for one game. And yeah, those are the only numbers I ever wore. And [Former NFL CB] Champ Bailey, he was here too, and he wore number 24 as well. So, that number just spoke to me in so many different ways. And you can’t forget the greatest 24 of them all, [Former Los Angeles Lakers SG] Kobe Bryant, a huge Kobe Bryant fan. So, that number just spoke to me in so many different ways and yeah, I just decided to wear it.”
—Von Miller, Linebacker
Experience Playing Alongside Veteran LB Bobby Wagner
Miller reflected on his long-standing acquaintance with linebacker Bobby Wagner and the respect he holds for him. He acknowledged Wagner’s leadership and impact both on the field as a top open-field tackler and off the field as a locker room leader, finding inspiration in Wagner’s sustained excellence at 35 years old.
Miller noted,
“So, yeah, I’ve been knowing Bobby for a long time… Even though we play different positions, you just study the best guys to try to pick up any clue that you can… And he’s a great leader on and off the football field, you look at the championship team that he’s been on, and you study that team and he was a huge part of that… I’ve been on the opposite side of that… And Bobby’s all over the field, still one of the best open field tacklers in the NFL. He’s able to lead and guide so many different positions and put the guys in one uniform call, man. He’s a great leader of men and to be in the same locker room and in the same team with him, and he’s still doing it at 35 years old, man. It is definitely a treat for me, for sure.”
—Von Miller, Linebacker
Approach to Maximizing Playing Time and Impact on the Field
Discussing his role on the field, Miller compared his approach to entering games off the bench to a basketball player coming in to immediately take shots. He conveyed how the limited opportunities to set up plays require him to be effective instantly and seize every moment.
Miller explained,
“I mean, I would still like to play but whatever role is given to me I just gotta take advantage of that. And in Buffalo was a learning curve at first because throughout my whole career I was used to playing a whole game and to be able to set up certain moves or to be able to capitalize in certain situations of a game… to really just feel the game and really just feel that offensive lineman to see what he does best and see what he doesn’t do best. And yeah, at my position now is like when I come off the bench, I get in the game and I gotta shoot the three right now. I’m coming off the bench and I’m dribbling and I’m shooting the three right now. I’m not passing the ball, none of that. I’m getting the ball and I’m shooting the three right now. I’m not running no plays, gimme the ball right now, I’m shooting it, I’m shooting it, I’m shooting it until they pull me back out. And then I sit on the bench for a little bit and I come off the bench and I shoot the three, I shoot the three. So, at first it was a learning process in Buffalo, but I started to just figure it out and just, when I get in there, I gotta do it right now.”
—Von Miller, Linebacker
Miller’s Perspective on Creating Defensive Game-Changing Plays
Miller outlined the impact that creating turnovers can have on a football game, especially through sack-induced forced fumbles, recoveries, and touchdowns. He emphasized the importance of being able to pressure the quarterback, whom he called “the head of the snake,” to influence the outcome of games.
He stated,
“Well, I mean, the biggest play, in my opinion, in football, is sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery, touchdown. I haven’t been able to get there yet, but I have opportunities to do it. If I can just do my job, I’ll be able to impact the game. The quarterback is the most important position in probably all of sports. He’s the head of the snake, so if I can just do my job, I’ll have shots to be able to impact the game. They’re also the worst ball handlers in probably in sports too [laughs]. So, if I could just get there and I can just get a hand on the ball and be able to create strip sacks and fumbles, that’ll be my way to be able to impact the game and help us win football games.”
—Von Miller, Linebacker
Looking Forward: Miller’s Role in Washington’s Pursuit of Success
Von Miller’s calculated decision to join the Washington Football Team reflects his unwavering commitment to winning and contributing at a high level late in his career. With the support of seasoned leaders like Dan Quinn and Adam Peters, and alongside promising talents such as quarterback Jayden Daniels and linebacker Bobby Wagner, Miller is poised to apply his veteran experience both on the field and as a mentor. His optimism, combined with his eagerness to embrace new challenges, sets the stage for a meaningful impact as Washington strives for growth and greater achievements in upcoming seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Von Miller wear glasses?
A. Miller mentioned he began using glasses in second grade and has faced vision challenges throughout his life.
Q. Did Von Miller have surgery?
A. The doctors concluded that the knee wasn’t stable or strong enough, and it required a complete repair. Therefore, Miller had successful ACL surgery on Tuesday afternoon and will not play for the rest of the Bills’ season.
Q. What surgery did Von Miller have?
A. Doctors first believed the injury was not serious and would heal in a few weeks. However, in December 2022, Von had surgery for a partially torn ACL. This was the same knee he injured during the 2013 NFL season.
Q. What exactly did Von Miller do to get suspended?
A. On November 30, Miller went to the Glenn Heights Police in Texas because there was an arrest warrant against him. He was charged with third-degree felony assault against a pregnant woman. This claim of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend happened in suburban Dallas during the Bills’ bye week in 2023.