ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Broncos training camp is underway, and nobody is more amped up than Von Miller.
The Super Bowl 50 MVP brought fervent energy to the first practice of the 2017 season, both on the field and during down time. At the start of practice, Miller led outside linebackers through position drills, displaying the freakish athleticism that helped him become one of the most feared defensive players in the league. Then he dominated each of his opponents in one-on-ones.
During team drills, Miller consistently beat tackles off the snap and would have posted two sacks, one each of Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch, had the quarterbacks not been wearing blue, non-contact jerseys.
Miller, who ended 2016 with 13.5 sacks and one vote shy of a Defensive Player of the Year Award, promised this offseason to unleash the “Best Von that I can put forward,” and he appeared to do just that on day one.
However, the five-time All-Pro’s most significant impact may not have been made between the lines. Beside his inexplicable pass-rushing skills, Miller also brought his signature eccentricity to UC Health Training Center, seamlessly switching back and forth between in-game, laser-focused Von and the exuberant goofball Broncos country loves.
Between reps, Miller threw footballs with fans, danced and played air guitar with teammates, and even left the sideline during team drills for a 30-second chat with a young fan on crutches. His actions appeared to be the primary source of energy for both his teammates and an otherwise subdued crowd of 3,792 fans, most of whom hung on his every step.
After Thursday’s practice veteran safety T.J. Ward mentioned a difference in the team’s intensity at camp this year.
“I definitely feel we came out with a better spark this year for sure,” he said. “You can definitely tell that this team is on a mission. It’s the way we practice, and it’s carried over from OTAs and minicamp.”
Miller’s growth into a leadership role is at least partially responsible for this transition. Since he was drafted out of Texas A&M with the second overall pick in 2011, Miller has learned when to focus on football and when to let loose. This season Miller, who, along with Chris Harris Jr., is the Broncos’ longest-tenured defensive player, seems poised to become Denver’s defensive captain.
Miller spoke Wednesday about taking on more leadership responsibilities now that former-captain DeMarcus Ware is retired.
“Roles change every single year, but at the end of the day I have to be Von Miller,” he said. “Peyton and DeMarcus, those guys are just two incredible people on and off the football field. Their style of leadership is totally different than my style of leadership.”
At Thursday’s practice, Miller made his leadership style clear: Lead by example and bring the pep.
After an eye-popping grab in the corner of the end zone by Anthony Nash during red zone drills, Miller rushed the field, bouncing with joy and eager to congratulate his teammates. It didn’t matter to him that both the quarterback and receiver were undrafted rookies facing a third-string defense.
Miller brought a distinctive energy to training camp that can’t be replaced, a clear view of the new leadership you will see from the face of the franchise.
