The Lead
Following Monday's trade of Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams, stories, dedications and tributes have poured in for the legendary Bronco from across Colorado.
Miller, who cemented his legacy in Denver and in the NFL with a win in Super Bowl 50 and Super Bowl MVP honors, has been the face of the Broncos franchise since he was selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Miller's presence both on and off the field has been immeasurable for the Broncos organization, and his departure has impacted all of Broncos Country.
"Boy, this is a tough one," The Gazette's Paul Klee wrote.
Miller has been the definition of dominant on the field since joining the Broncos, racking up eight Pro Bowl appearances, three first-team All Pro nods, a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nomination and many other accolades.
"Arguably the greatest defensive player to ever don the orange and blue, Miller is one of the all-time great pass rushers," The Gazette's George Stoia wrote.
Miller's impact on the field and in the locker room extended far beyond his sacks and tackles.
"For those who played and coached alongside Miller, they will remember him for more than 509 tackles, 225 quarterback hits, 142 tackles for loss, 110.5 sacks and 26 fumbles forced," Stoia wrote. "To them and many others, Miller was a captain, a mentor, a leader and an embodiment of the city of Denver."
Miller has been one of the best players in the NFL for a decade, but as many have noted this week, it's not just his accolades that have earned him a place in Broncos Country's hearts.
"The Colorado love, which is now California love, was never about the numbers," Klee wrote. "Aside from the football stuff, I think it was this: Von appeals to everyone because he's a little bit of everyone."
As Miller departs from Colorado, his best moments are on the minds of Broncos Country, starting with the performance that helped to bring a third Super Bowl victory to Denver and earned him Super Bowl MVP honors.
"Miller's two strip sacks of Cam Newton in Super Bowl 50 are not only a couple of the best plays in Miller's career, but two of the best in Broncos history," Stoia wrote. "Miller had six tackles, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in the 24-10 win over the Panthers. Miller's two strip sacks led to two Broncos touchdowns, helping earn Super Bowl 50 MVP."
And close behind is his performance against the Patriots that same season.
"Going up against future Hall of Famer and maybe the greatest player of all time, Tom Brady, Miller put on a show," Stoia wrote. "Miller had four QB hits, 2.5 sacks and an interception to help the Broncos beat the Patriots, 20-18."
Miller has meant the world to Broncos Country as a player and a person, and that love goes both ways.
"We always got Super Bowl 50. Always got Broncos Country," Miller said. "It's always tough whenever you leave. I love all my fans. I love Broncos country. When I said Broncos for life, I meant that."
