Leadership many times is described as an attribute one just naturally has. Built into you. Certainly something All-Pro linebacker Von Miller has as the Denver Broncos returned to the field Saturday with day one of training camp.
“It’s a great start to training camp,” Miller said of Saturday’s practice at UC Health Training Center, who is leading the Denver Broncos into a pressure filled season, attempting to put their 5-11 record in the rear-view mirror. Miller says his leadership has never waivered and he will just be him.
“I just try to be me. It’s been working. The guys respect me for that, and it’s effective,” Miller said of his leadership. “I’ve seen a lot of great leaders and been around a lot of great leaders. Dawkins to Peyton, Tebow, to DeMarcus, to champ, to Elvis, I’ve been around a lot of different styles and all I can do is just be myself and the guys rally around it…give advice when I need too, give a speech when I need to. I’m going to be the leader I’ve always been.”
Miller not only demonstrates that leadership on the field, but off it as well and in the classroom. Miller spoke about his classroom work, particularly with Bill Kollar on the defensive line as he gains extra knowledge to better his game and the defense as a whole.
“I spend most of the game rushing with (Derek) Wolfe, why wouldn’t I spend my time in the classroom sitting next to Wolfe,” Miller said. “Talking over games, schemes and stuff…Everything is great, I like it.”
Miller also spoke about a rookie he certainly will lead into his first opportunities on the football field in Bradley Chubb. Miller was short and sweet regarding Chubb.
“I feel like he’s going to be great…skies the limit for him.”
Miller is optimistic about 2018, saying it’s a fresh start to the season and he wouldn’t want to be on a team that felt otherwise.
“I feel like we’re optimistic every year. I wouldn’t want to be on a team that isn’t optimistic…Great group of guys. Fresh start.”
Miller also spoke about Shane Ray and his return to the football field. “It’s good to get Shane back. I’m glad he figured everything out.”
