Bills Von Miller "Shouldn't Have Been Playing" Last Season
By Arabia Tillery
July 1, 2024 | 3:05 PM ET
(Buffalo, NY) -Von Miller, edge rusher for the Bills, spoke with Sports Illustrated and said he shouldn’t have played last season. “My biggest individual goal is just getting back to playing my style of football," he said. "It's crazy how you get injured, and you come back, and you really shouldn't have even been playing, and people judge you by a product on the field. I could have easily sat out all of last season, but I couldn't do my teammates like that. I felt like being later in my career, I didn't want to sacrifice any of my years. But at the same time, I shouldn't have been out there.”
Miller's candid admission sheds light on the often intense pressure athletes face to perform, even when dealing with injuries. His decision to play through pain, particularly after a significant injury like an ACL tear, signals a dedication to his team but also raises questions about player health and longevity in the sport. With zero sacks last season, despite playing 12 games, it’s clear his performance was not up to his typical standards, which can be tough for a player of his caliber.
Von Miller, Edge Rusher for the Buffalo Bills, Speaking At A Bills Press Conference
Von Miller’s situation with the Bills highlights the complexity of evaluating an athlete's performance. While statistics are valuable, they only tell part of the story. The impact of his experience and ability to make game-changing plays should not be overlooked, especially considering the dynamics within the Bills' defensive line.
He stated, “I feel like people are judging me on that [last season], so it's making me a little bit angry, to be honest," he said. "It's making me tap into a Von that I haven't been in a while. I just want to get back to playing my style of football. Get back to talking s---, f------ making sacks, dancing, and making plays for my teammates. That's been my whole mindset this offseason."
Von Miller Taking Action On The Field
Miller's comments reflect a deeper personal motivation, indicating he’s tapped into a mentality aimed at reclaiming his elite form. The pressure on him to deliver, particularly as a rotational player behind younger talents like Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa, adds to the scrutiny. If the Bills’ edge rush group is to maintain its effectiveness, they will need Miller to step up and contribute significantly. This offseason mindset seems geared towards not just silencing critics, but also ensuring that he plays a pivotal role in the team’s success moving forward. His determination could be key in revitalizing his performance and, by extension, the defensive unit overall.
