ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Linebacker Von Miller doesn't know if he'll be ready for the Broncos' season opener on Sept. 7. But, instead of relaxing during the break, he is taking this time before training camp to do whatever it takes to get ready.

"I'm rehabbing and trying to get my knee back right so I can be ready for the season," Miller said. "I'm definitely working towards that and I got a lot of great guys behind me that are helping me work and helping me grind."

He said he is anxious to get back on the field and contribute to the Broncos' defense. After playing just nine games last season due to a suspension and then tearing his ACL in December, he is ready to make up for lost time.

Though many of his teammates are on vacation and enjoying their break, Miller said it isn't hard for him to use this time to improve. He continues to work out every day and has a chef that helps him with nutrition.

Coming off an injury, his perspective on the offseason is different from previous seasons.

"You've got a whole new look on what it means to play in the National Football League and what football really means to me," Miller said. "I can play football 24/7 every day out of the year. This is my dream and I'm living the dream.

During OTAs, he worked near full speed in positional drills. It has been almost six months since his surgery to repair his knee. During the rehab process, Miller lost 20 pounds and the Broncos picked up his fifth-year option. He is lighter than he was for the 2013 season and excited to play again.

"Offseasons are great, but this year I really need the offseason to try to get back on the field," he said.