College football looks nothing like it did when Von Miller suited up for Texas A&M. Today’s players have NIL leverage, transfer freedom, and far more control over their athletic careers. Sixteen years ago, leaving a program was a massive decision and Miller came closer than most people realize.
In 2008, then‑head coach Mike Sherman suspended Miller, and the frustration hit him hard. He packed his bags immediately, got in his car, and started driving home, fully intending to transfer out of Texas A&M. On that drive, he called his father to break the news.
He didn’t get the reaction he expected.
Instead of comforting him, Miller’s dad told him to turn the car around. No excuses, no sympathy, just tough love. Begrudgingly, Miller did exactly that,
heading back to College Station to face the situation head‑on.
What followed was a pivotal meeting between Miller, his father, and Coach Sherman. If Miller was going to stay, there were clear expectations. Improve his grades, attend class consistently, and accept whatever role the coaching staff assigned him. It was accountability in its purest form, and Miller embraced it. That decision changed the trajectory of his life.
Miller went on to lead the nation in sacks during his junior season, became one of the most disruptive defenders in college football, and was ultimately drafted No. 2 overall by the Denver Broncos. He credits that moment and his father’s refusal to let him quit with teaching him how to push through adversity and become the best version of himself.
In an era where transferring at the first sign of frustration has become normal, Miller’s story is a reminder of what can happen when you weather the storm instead of running from it.
You can watch his retelling of the story below.
Von Miller reveals after Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman suspended him, he packed everything he owned into his truck and started driving to Florida to transfer, when he called his he dad told him not to quit, so he turned around and led the nation with 17.5 sacks the next season
— Josh Chambers (@JoshChambers) August 29, 2026
“I… pic.twitter.com/Ul3xEsxUJC
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: ‘Turn around’: How tough love kept Von Miller at Texas A&M in 2008
