A DeSoto native who rose from a local standout to one of the NFL’s most dominant defenders is now being recognized among the state’s all-time greats.
Von Miller, a Super Bowl MVP and one of the most accomplished pass rushers in league history, has been named to the 2026 class of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy among the top athletes ever produced in Texas.
Born and raised in DeSoto, Miller’s football journey began locally before evolving into a national and professional career defined by elite performance and consistency.
In High School, he established himself as a standout talent, later elevating his game at Texas A&M University, where he earned All-America honors and won the 2010 Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker.
Miller entered the NFL as the second overall pick in the 2011 draft and quickly became one of the league’s most feared defensive players.
Over a career spanning multiple teams, including the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills, he built a résumé defined by game-changing plays, postseason success and individual accolades.
His defining moment came during Super Bowl 50, when he delivered a dominant defensive performance to earn MVP honors, becoming one of the few defensive players in league history to receive the award.
He later added a second Super Bowl title with the Rams, further solidifying his championship pedigree.
Statistically, Miller’s impact is equally significant.
He ranks among the top players on the NFL’s all-time sack list and continues to lead active players in the category, a testament to both his longevity and sustained excellence on the field.
Off the field, Miller has also made an impact through his Von’s Vision Foundation, which focuses on providing eye care and eyewear to underserved youth.
He is also the founder of Greener Pastures Chicken, a Texas-based business focused on raising pasture-raised chickens and promoting sustainable, ethically sourced food production.
Miller headlines a 2026 class that reflects the breadth of Texas sports excellence, including soccer standout Clint Dempsey, Olympic speedskating champion Chad Hedrick, rodeo icon Charmayne James, former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Zack Martin, longtime college football coach Gary Patterson, NFL defensive standout Steve McMichael, and Negro League baseball legend Louis Santop.
The 1966 Texas Western men’s basketball team is also being honored as the first team inducted into the Hall of Fame.
For DeSoto, Miller’s recognition carries a deeper meaning than a hometown figure reaching the highest levels of success while continuing to represent where he started.
As the Texas Sports Hall of Fame celebrates 75 years of honoring athletes who have brought distinction to the state, Miller’s inclusion stands as a defining example of that mission.
Miller, a local athlete whose career has left a lasting mark on the game, continues to inspire the next generation of players from communities like DeSoto.
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