Von Miller - Broncos Pick Miller Not Afraid To Show Emotion The Salt Lake Tribune

New York Standing in a sparse hallway in the bowels of Radio City Music Hall, Von Miller tilted his Broncos cap way back.

At last he didn t have to stand at attention while maneuvering his way through the intense spotlight that comes with the highest draft pick in the Broncos 51-year history.

Never mind football for a moment. About those glasses. Fashionable eyeglasses, especially when sported with a sharp gray suit with lavender shirt and tie. But to football fans who aren t accustomed to seeing the professorial look on the faces of their linebackers, Miller s glasses are so there.

I ve been wearing glasses since the third grade, Miller said. I m comfortable wearing them. Contacts work, but I have astigmatism in one eye and it s just not as comfortable wearing contacts as it is wearing glasses.

The Broncos newest franchise defender is extremely secure in his manhood. He s not afraid to wear glasses. And he s not afraid to cry.

There was a moment of uncertainty here Thursday night that may have tensed his feelings. After the Carolina Panthers immediately selected quarterback Cam Newton with the No. 1 draft choice, the Broncos went 7 minutes before phoning in their selection of Miller at No. 2.

Sitting in a room just off the Radio City stage, Miller said he kept checking his cell phone but it never rang. Finally, he looked up at dad, who was sitting next to him. Dad s phone flashed 303.

The area code of relief. Miller s pent-up emotions released.

Published Apr 27, 2011 01:07:02PM 1 Comments Published Apr 26, 2011 10:09:13AM 0 Comments Published Apr 26, 2011 06:51:21AM 27 Comments

He always has been emotional, Von Miller Sr. said He was a guy who never liked to lose. He s a very caring individual.

Miller Jr. covered his eyes with his right hand and wept. It took a few minutes to gather himself.

I had a flashback all the way from Little League, 7th grade, 10th grade, college, all the way through, Miller said. I just remember all those guys who told me no, and told me I can t. I m just extremely happy to have the opportunity to get in the NFL and prove myself.

Miller talked about the adversity he has overcome. He never played the same position in back-to-back years. His new teammate with the Broncos, D.J. Williams, can commiserate with Miller on that.

I don t have time to go through a documentary, Miller said. But I m telling you, playing football there s a lot of adversity.

He got suspended from his freshman spring game by coach Mike Sherman because Miller wasn t attending study hall or classes.

I was immature when I first got to college, Miller said.

After I got booted from freshman spring game, I was going to transfer, but my dad talked me out of it. That s the best thing that ever happened to me.

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