Von Miller's return to Texas has brought one of the NFL's best pass rushers back to his childhood team. It has also put his chicken business in the spotlight after the new Dallas Cowboys linebacker offered Hunter Luepke an unusual deal for jersey No. 40.

During his introductory press conference, Miller said Luepke already had the jersey number he wanted. The Cowboys newcomer, who co-founded Texas-based Greener Pastures Chicken, made it clear he had a unique bargaining chip.

“I feel like he can’t really come off of [my offer],” Miller said. “I think a lifetime supply of chicken will do it. Whatever it takes to make it happen. Whether it does or not, I’m here to win games. I’m here to win a Super Bowl.”

After speaking to the reporters on August 19 via Dallas YouTube, the offer immediately gave fans another look at Miller's long-running passion away from football.

Luepke wore No. 40 before Miller arrived in Dallas. The veteran then had to find another number or convince his teammate to make a switch.

The jersey situation didn't overshadow Miller's reason for joining his hometown team. It did, however, bring attention to his off-field business.

Greener Pastures is a regenerative, pasture-raised chicken operation in Texas, built around an interest Miller developed while studying poultry science at Texas A&M.

Miller has spoken openly about taking an agriculture class in college as an easy way to improve his GPA before the subject became a genuine interest.

That interest eventually turned into a business, and now it has become part of his negotiations with a new teammate.

The story has followed Miller through a career that includes two Super Bowl rings, eight Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl MVP award. Yet a lifetime supply of chicken may have become the most memorable detail from his first day as a Cowboy.

That wasn't the only question surrounding Miller's first days in Dallas.

Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer explains Dallas' plan for Von Miller

Miller joined the Cowboys in the middle of training camp after spending the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said there is no need to immediately push the veteran into game action.

“We’re not gonna rush him out there,” Schottenheimer told reporters on August 18 via Dallas YouTube. “There’s no need to do that. It’s more about getting him around the fellas, getting him with (Christian Parker) and the defensive staff.”

The Cowboys instead want Miller to get comfortable with his teammates and learn the defensive system. That process could also be helped by his familiarity with Parker, who worked for the Denver Broncos from 2021 through 2023.

At 37, Miller brings the experience Dallas wanted when it added him to the roster. Whether he gets No. 40 or not, his first task with the Cowboys is clear: get ready to help the defense chase another Super Bowl.

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit