Buffalo Bills defensive end returned to practice after Commissioner Roger Goodell lifted his four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. He expressed relief and optimism about his return, saying, “I’m in a great spot. I’m just happy all of that stuff is behind me.”
This is a pivotal moment for him, having faced numerous challenges since joining the Bills, including injuries and the recent suspension, which kept him off the field for the past two and a half years. With nine games left in the season, he feels a renewed appreciation for football and the chance to play again.
The suspension followed serious legal issues, including allegations of third-degree felony assault against his pregnant girlfriend. Miller surrendered to police in Glenn Heights, Texas, after an arrest warrant was issued and was briefly jailed before being released on bond. He has consistently denied the allegations, calling them “100% false.” The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that no charges were filed, and the case is now closed, while the NFL conducted its own investigation into the matter.
As Von Miller looks ahead, he is focused on his contributions to the Bills and has not indicated whether he considered appealing his suspension. Eager to return to the field, he is ready to support a team that currently has a solid 6-2 record. He highlighted the importance of teamwork, especially with quarterback Josh Allen playing at an MVP level. Miller is excited to resume his pass-rushing role and contribute to the team’s defensive strategies, acknowledging the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
To ease his return, the Bills provided Miller with a temporary roster exemption, allowing him to work out at the team facility during the latter part of his suspension. Head coach Sean McDermott noted that this has been beneficial for both his mental and physical preparation, expressing confidence in Miller’s ability to reintegrate into the team despite the challenges of returning after an extended absence.
Miller has been with the Bills since signing a six-year, $120 million contract in March 2022, participating in 27 regular-season games and two playoff games. After suffering a significant right ACL injury last Thanksgiving, he acknowledged that he probably should not have played this season.
This offseason, Miller restructured his contract, taking a pay cut that helped the Bills save significant cap space. As the team gears up for their upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins, McDermott emphasized the importance of teamwork on defense and looks forward to having Miller back on the field to strengthen their lineup.
Leave a Reply