Von Miller, the newly signed linebacker for the Washington Commanders, made a confident and spirited debut at his first press conference with the team. At 36 years old, Miller dismissed any doubts about his effectiveness as a pass rusher, asserting that rushing the quarterback remains second nature to him.
“I can still roll out of bed at 36 years old with my shoes on and rush the passer,” he said. The Commanders clearly agree with his self-assessment, offering him a one-year contract worth $6.1 million, with the potential to earn $10.5 million through incentives.
Miller Joins Commanders Seeking Super Bowl, Inspired by Jayden Daniels’ Rising Stardom
Both Miller and the Commanders share a common goal: reaching the Super Bowl. Washington hasn’t been to the big game since the 1991 season, but made it to the NFC Championship last season. Miller, who has won Super Bowls with both the Broncos and Rams, brings playoff experience and leadership to a team hungry for a title.
Despite coming off a loss in the AFC Championship with Buffalo, Miller believes Washington is built to win, citing that mentality as a key reason for joining the team. “This team is all about winning. I’m all about winning,” he emphasized.
Von Miller (NFL)Miller chose to sign with Washington over two other interested teams. A significant factor in his decision was second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, whose standout rookie performance impressed the veteran linebacker.
Miller believes Daniels is one of the league’s best young quarterbacks, and he wanted to be part of a team with that kind of promise under center. His confidence in the Commanders’ direction aligns with his personal goals of making another Super Bowl run before retirement.
Veteran Von Miller Still Brings Quickness, Experience, and Impact in Limited Role
While Miller may be entering the later stages of his career, his skills as a pass rusher remain evident. With 129.5 career sacks, including six last season with the Bills, Miller remains a threat off the edge. Washington coach Dan Quinn praised Miller’s quickness and ability to put pressure on offensive tackles, saying, “You have it, or you don’t… It’s not hard to evaluate somebody that’s got the ability to really jump off the spot.”
Though Miller acknowledges he may not be as explosive as he was in his twenties, he insists his experience and refined technique still make him an effective defender.
Miller is expected to play a situational role in Washington’s defensive scheme, similar to how he was used in Buffalo. Although it took time to adjust to playing fewer snaps, Miller now embraces the role, comparing himself to a basketball sixth man who must make an immediate impact. “I’m coming off the bench and I’m shooting the 3 right now,” he said.
Paired with Frankie Luvu, who had a career-high eight sacks last season, Miller’s presence adds depth and veteran savvy to the pass rush. Luvu, who once studied Miller’s film in Carolina, believes his arrival brings much-needed energy to the defense in crucial moments.
