Von Miller spent most of his NFL career away from his hometown, but he never stopped following the Dallas Cowboys. Now entering his 16th season, the future Hall of Famer admitted he always kept an eye on the team.

Miller discussed his move to Dallas on the inaugural Season 2 episode of his Free Range with Von Miller podcast. The seven-time All-Pro signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys last month. He finally got the chance to play for the team he grew up supporting.

"It's still like you have that one eye on the hometown team. Obviously, it's the Broncos for life,” Miller said. “But even when I was with the Broncos, I still had a little piece of the Dallas Cowboys in there.

Miller was born and raised in Dallas and remembered becoming a Cowboys fan at a very young age.

“I didn't ever have any type of idea that I would have the opportunity to play for the Dallas Cowboys, but it has always been there," Miller said in his podcast on September 2.

He was about four when he heard his father screaming from the bedroom after Dallas scored. He then saw the team's star on TV and dreamed of creating that same excitement for his dad someday.

That connection also helped shape Miller's relationship with DeMarcus Ware, who joined the Broncos after a legendary run in Dallas.

Miller grew up watching Ware and looked up to him. Having his childhood favorite become a teammate in Denver made their relationship even more meaningful.

Now, Miller gets to return the favor differently. He said joining the Cowboys gives him a chance to work with younger players. He also wants to pass along some of the lessons Ware once gave him.

Miller's arrival in Dallas has also come with a memorable bit of business away from the field.

Von Miller's No. 40 deal included an unusual twist

Miller will wear No. 40 for Dallas in 2026 after reaching a deal with fullback Hunter Luepke, according to Patrik Walker of the Cowboys' official website. Luepke had worn No. 40 since joining Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He will switch to No. 30.

The deal came with an unusual perk. Luepke received an undisclosed amount of equity in Miller's chicken company, Greener Pastures Chicken, after giving up the number.

"I would have to say it's got to be the first in National Football League history that a jersey swap has been done with ownership of a chicken farm," Miller said.

Miller wore No. 58 throughout his Broncos career but has also worn No. 40 with the Rams and Bills. He also wore the number at Texas A&M.

The Cowboys are Miller's latest stop after Denver, Los Angeles, Buffalo, and Washington. He recorded nine sacks for Washington last season and enters Dallas with 138.5 career sacks, tied for ninth all-time.

Written by

Evince Das