We are ranking the top 10 All-Time Best NFL Defensive Players from Texas HS Football. The list is based only on the players’ NFL careers, not their high school careers.
Von Miller comes in at No. 7 on our list. A two-time Super Bowl champion and a Super Bowl MVP, Miller has been one of the most dominant pass rushers of his era. With over 129 career sacks, eight Pro Bowl selections, and three First-Team All-Pro honors, his impact on the game is undeniable. With his Super Bowl MVP, being 16th all-time in sacks, we gave him the nod over Zach Miller, John Randle, and Miles Garrett.
Early Life and High School Career
Von Miller was born on March 26, 1989, in DeSoto, Texas, just outside of Dallas. He attended DeSoto High School, where he was a standout athlete in both football and track. Playing for the DeSoto Eagles, Miller showcased his versatility as a defensive end and outside linebacker, earning District 8-5A Defensive MVP honors as a senior. That season, he recorded 76 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and six sacks, making him one of the top defensive recruits in the state.
In addition to football, Miller excelled in track and field, competing in hurdles, the triple jump, and the javelin throw. His athleticism and speed were evident early on, traits that would later define his career as an elite NFL pass rusher. Considered a four-star recruit, Miller committed to Texas A&M over offers from top programs like Florida, LSU, and Oklahoma.
College Career at Texas A&M
Miller played at Texas A&M from 2007 to 2010, developing into one of the most feared defenders in college football. After a solid freshman and sophomore campaign, he broke out in 2009 as a junior, leading the nation with 17 sacks and earning First-Team All-Big 12 and All-American honors. His ability to rush the passer from a hybrid linebacker/defensive end role made him a nightmare for offensive linemen.
As a senior in 2010, Miller won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker after recording 10.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. He finished his college career with 33 sacks and 50.5 tackles for loss, ranking among the best pass rushers in Aggies history. His dominant performance at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine solidified him as a top prospect heading into the NFL Draft.
NFL Career with the Denver Broncos, Rams, and Bills
In 2011, Miller was selected second overall by the Denver Broncos in the NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact, winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording 11.5 sacks. Over the next few seasons, he became the centerpiece of the Broncos’ defense, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors.
Miller’s most memorable moment came in Super Bowl 50, where he dominated the Carolina Panthers, recording 2.5 sacks and forcing two fumbles to help lead the Broncos to victory. His performance earned him Super Bowl MVP honors, making him just the tenth defensive player in NFL history to win the award.
In 2021, Miller was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, where he helped the team win Super Bowl LVI by recording two sacks in the game. He then signed a massive six-year deal with the Buffalo Bills in 2022, further cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant pass rushers in league history.
Accolades and Career Achievements
Miller has built an impressive career resume, including:
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (50, LVI)
- Super Bowl MVP (50)
- 3× First-Team All-Pro (2012, 2015, 2016)
- 4× Second-Team All-Pro (2011, 2014, 2017, 2018)
- 8× Pro Bowl Selection (2011, 2012, 2014–2019)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- 129.5 career sacks (as of 2024)
His dominance as a pass rusher has placed him among the greatest linebackers of all time, and he continues to add to his legacy with Buffalo.
Legacy and Hall of Fame Outlook
Miller has already cemented himself as a future Hall of Famer, and his place in NFL history is secure. With his two Super Bowls, a Super Bowl MVP, and over 120 career sacks, his resume is among the best ever for a linebacker.
As he enters the later years of his career, Miller remains a dangerous playmaker for the Bills. Whether he plays a few more seasons or calls it a career soon, his legacy is set. When he retires, his enshrinement in Canton will be a formality, and he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest defensive players ever from Texas high school football.
