On Sunday Night, as the Broncos claimed their third Super Bowl title, Von Miller was busy cementing his legacy as a Denver legend.
Miller’s first quarter sack and forced fumble provided one of the game’s signature moments, spurring the Broncos to their first championship in nearly two decades. But that wasn’t all; Miller recorded six total tackles and added another forced fumble to his stat line before the game was over.
That type of performance, especially in a championship environment, has been matched by only three others in the history of Denver Sports: John Elway, Terrell Davis and Joe Sakic.
Elway’s big moment was sacrificing his body and helicoptering for a first down against the Packers in Super Bowl XXXII, setting up a third quarter touchdown by the eventual MVP, Davis.
Davis, not to be outdone, rushed for a combined 259 yards in the two Super Bowls. He scored three touchdowns in his legendary performance against the Packers, including the go-ahead score with less than two minutes left.
Sakic, a lifetime member of the Avalanche franchise, dating back to the Nordiques days, led the playoffs in scoring in 1996 and 2001, winning the Conn Smythe in 1996. He helped clinch the 2001 title with nine points in the final seven game series, including a game-seven lazer from the right dot to send the New Jersey Devils packing.
For the past two weeks, however, it was Miller whom took center stage, rising to the occasion just like Elway, Davis and Sakic before him.
After punching their ticket to the Super Bowl two weeks ago by manhandling the Patriots, the Texas A&M product was picked as a favorite to win the Super Bowl MVP should the Broncos bring home their fourth world Championship.
Undoubtedly, Miller was itching to take advantage of the big stage. Two years ago, a torn ACL kept him on the sidelines as the Broncos were beaten by the Seattle Seahawks.
But this year, with the Lombardi Trophy on the line, and Miller on the field for the first Superbowl of his career, the team sack leader did not disappoint.
The Panthers, although frustrated by a lack of finishing ability all game, were still able to move the ball against the Broncos, totalling 314 yards. For comparison, the Seahawks gained 341 yards in their 43-8 Super Bowl XLVIII victory.
But it was the timely stops and turnovers by Miller and the defense which made sure this Super Bowl wouldn’t leave Broncos fans with a sense of déjà vu.
After all was said and done, Miller put his stamp all over the game and elevated his legacy to a level achieved by only three Colorado athletes before him.
If he can keep his pace, he’ll undoubtedly earn a spot on Denver’s Mount Rushmore.
