Von Miller Weighs in on Guiding Younger Teammates, Broncos’ Offense

Von Miller (58) celebrates after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (not pictured) during the overtime period of the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. The Ravens won 38-35 in double overtime. (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)

Entering his third year in the NFL, Von Miller is becoming a true leader for the Denver Broncos. He got off to a great start thanks in large part to former teammate Elvis Dumervil.

Now Miller is hoping to be the same kind of mentor for fifth round pick, defensive end Quanterus Smith.

“I know when he comes here, all I can control is what type of person I am in the locker room and do everything I can possibly do to make it easy for him, to show him the same stuff that Elvis showed me. But Elvis, he’s such a technician,” Miller said. “There’s no way you can be at that size and play at the level that he played without being a technician.”

Even before Dumervil came into the picture for Miller, there was some one else. “[Shaun Phillips] was one of the first guys that I met in the National Football League, before I even had even stepped foot at Dove Valley. We both had the same agent—we were both represented by Athletes First. He just had a lot of wisdom to give me before I had even stepped on the football league, before I had even met Elvis.”

Putting Phillips and Dumervil aside, it’s Miller (along with Champ Bailey) that has become known as the leader on defense. Much like Peyton Manning is concerned about the well-being of the defense, Miller is taking note of the improvements the Broncos have made on offense.

“I like the Wes Welker addition—and I don’t even play offense,” Miller said. I like Demaryius [Thomas] coming back. He’s not an addition, but with the success that he had last year, with the success [Eric] Decker had, and all those guys, I’m pretty excited for the offense.”

When Miller takes stock of who’s on the roster and in the locker room, he gets excited.

“On the field, that’s going to take care of itself, but inside the locker room, I feel like we have one of the best locker rooms in the National Football League, and everybody plays different.”

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