Von Miller has played alongside plenty of elite talent, but some of his best memories came from his relationships with teammates. Now with the Dallas Cowboys, Miller shared why those bonds have stayed important throughout his career.

Speaking on Champion Mindset with two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier, Miller was asked when he first developed his love for football. He also explained when he realized how much the sport meant to him.

“I've been like that since my earliest memories of life with my little brother. I've been on a football team since the fifth grade," Miller said. "You get on great teams, as we had in 2015 with the Denver Broncos, with Keith Lee, Peyton Manning, DeMarcus Ware. That was one of the best teams that I've ever been on.”

For Miller, the connection went well beyond what happened during games. He described his Denver home as a place where teammates often gathered during the week. Those friendships also carried over into life away from football.

That same feeling followed him to Washington last season. During the episode of Champion Mindset with Daniel Cormier on August 25, via YouTube, Miller said he only needs one thing in common with teammates to form a bond, something he has experienced since playing on teams as a kid.

“Once you start with love, that bleeds over into the football field, and you can demand more out of guys on the football field," Miller said. "You can challenge guys. And I just love football, man. I love being on the team.”

Miller's career gives that philosophy plenty of context. The Broncos drafted him No. 2 overall in 2011, and he quickly became one of the league's top pass rushers.

His latest chapter carries a different meaning. He grew up in Texas cheering for Dallas, and at 37, he finally gets to wear the Cowboys uniform.

Von Miller is finally playing for his hometown with the Cowboys

Miller signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Cowboys this August. According to a report by Jon Machota of The Athletic, via X, Coach Brian Schottenheimer has already praised Miller's pass-rush instincts and his influence on younger players.

The veteran may not have the same role he had during his prime, but Dallas believes his experience can still matter. Dallas hopes his experience can strengthen a defense that also features Rashan Gary and several other additions.

Miller also has plenty of postseason experience to share. With two Super Bowl rings and three first-team All-Pro selections, he knows what championship teams look like.

With the Broncos, Miller won Defensive Rookie of the Year before recording a franchise-record 18.5 sacks in 2012. He also helped them win Super Bowl 50 and earned MVP honors after recording 2.5 sacks against the Carolina Panthers.

The Broncos later traded Miller to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, with whom he won another Super Bowl that year. Miller the spent three seasons with the Buffalo Bills before joining the Washington Commanders last season.

Across 14 seasons and 203 games, he recorded 138.5 career sacks , tied for the ninth-most all-time.

For a Cowboys team trying to end a long Super Bowl drought, that perspective could be just as valuable as whatever Miller produces on the field.

The Cowboys will open the regular season against the New York Giants on September 14.

Written by

Evince Das