The last thing Von Miller wanted to talk about when he returned to practice on Wednesday was why he had been absent — a four-game NFL suspension for breaking the league’s personal conduct rules.
Miller said he held no grudge against the NFL but avoided saying if he was surprised by the suspension or if he planned to appeal it.
“I’m in a great spot. I’m just happy all of that stuff is behind me,” said Miller, who is now back with the AFC East-leading Bills as they prepare for their game against the Dolphins on Sunday. “I really don’t even have to touch on any of that stuff any more.”
Miller was referring to an incident from 11 months ago when he turned himself in to the police in a Dallas suburb after being accused of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend, who is also the mother of two of his children.
Miller has denied the allegations, claiming they were false and exaggerated. Since no charges were filed, he started training camp in July by saying he considered the matter closed based on what his lawyers told him.
Even without charges, the NFL still decided to suspend Miller based on its own investigation. A person with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that the suspension was linked to the complaint against him.
This person asked to remain anonymous because the league hasn’t disclosed the reasons for the discipline.
Miller said he feels refreshed after his time off. He spent the first two weeks with his father, family, and children in Texas before returning to the Bills facility, where he was allowed to work out alone and attend team meetings.
Now 35 years old, Miller is excited to continue building on the confidence he gained from getting three sacks in four games, bringing his total to an NFL-leading 126 1/2 sacks. This was encouraging for Miller after he didn’t manage to get a sack in 14 games, including playoffs, last year while recovering from right knee surgery.
“For me, it was just being able to prove it to myself,” Miller said.
“To come back and really start this thing over again, I have huge belief in my game and what I can do and what I can contribute to this team. That’s where I’m putting my focus,” he added. “There’s really nothing negative on my side. I have all the opportunities in the world to go out and achieve all my goals.”
Buffalo’s defense has shown strength even without several regular players and is coming off its best performance in many stats after a 31-10 win at Seattle. Buffalo (6-2) allowed season lows in yards (233) and rushing yards (32), and Seattle converted only 1 of 7 third-down chances.
Buffalo’s sack production decreased while Miller was gone. The team got a total of eight sacks in its last four games, after getting 12 in the first four.
“It’s getting a Hall of Famer back,” edge rusher Greg Rousseau said about Miller’s return. “There’s nothing better than that. So we’re all excited.”
Coordinator Bobby Babich expressed confidence that Miller will smoothly return to his special role, mainly during passing situations.
“I don’t think we’ll skip a beat,” Babich said. “Obviously, the more effective pass rushers you can have, the better off you’re going to be.”
Another advantage for Miller was the chance to further strengthen his surgically repaired knee while also healing any aches and pains he felt from the first four weeks of the season. “It’s just like I’m starting the season all over again and I’m ready to roll,” he said.
Miller emphasized that he is focused on the future when asked about his reaction to being informed of the suspension after a 35-10 loss at Baltimore. In that game, he played a season-low nine snaps because the Ravens had little reason to pass once they took a big lead.
“I’m just grateful to be here and appreciative to be here, the Buffalo Bills, and coming back to a really good team,” Miller said. “All I have to do is just do my part and nothing more, nothing less. And all the other stuff is behind me. I can just focus on football and playing the best football I can possibly play.”
