Denver linebacker Von Miller is one of the very best defensive players in the NFL.
But he is also becoming one of the most fined.
Miller -- a leading candidate for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award -- was fined $25,000 by the NFL for a hit below the knee on Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman last Sunday. Miller was fined $21,000 for a hit on Carolina quarterback Cam Newton last month.
Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 draft, has been fined several times since joining the NFL. He has been fined at least $109,250 as an NFL player.
Still, Miller does not have a reputation for being a dirty player. I have seen him play a lot and his penalties and fines seem to be a byproduct of aggressive play and the NFL's strict rules on hitting the quarterback. Miller is a premier pass-rusher. He hits the quarterback often. Sometimes, he is going to have to pay the price as part of today’s NFL climate.
Now the question is, just how stiff a price might that be? Players who rack up big fines are often subject to an eventual NFL suspension.
But he is also becoming one of the most fined.
Miller -- a leading candidate for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award -- was fined $25,000 by the NFL for a hit below the knee on Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman last Sunday. Miller was fined $21,000 for a hit on Carolina quarterback Cam Newton last month.
Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 draft, has been fined several times since joining the NFL. He has been fined at least $109,250 as an NFL player.
Still, Miller does not have a reputation for being a dirty player. I have seen him play a lot and his penalties and fines seem to be a byproduct of aggressive play and the NFL's strict rules on hitting the quarterback. Miller is a premier pass-rusher. He hits the quarterback often. Sometimes, he is going to have to pay the price as part of today’s NFL climate.
Now the question is, just how stiff a price might that be? Players who rack up big fines are often subject to an eventual NFL suspension.
Bill Williamson | email
NFL- ESPN AFC West Blogger
- Spent four seasons covering the Broncos for the Denver Post
- Previously covered Vikings, Packers, Seahawks
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