Story by
'Chicken For Life?' Cowboys' Von Miller Strikes Jersey Number Deal with Hunter Luepke
- Story by
- 'Chicken For Life?' Cowboys' Von Miller Strikes Jersey Number Deal with Hunter Luepke
Although Von Miller spent much of his future Hall of Fame career wearing the No. 58 jersey for the Denver Broncos , his desired digit was No. 40 when he signed to join his hometown Dallas Cowboys shortly after training camp this offseason.
It was the number Miller wore at nearby DeSoto High School when he grew up rooting for "America's Team."
Advertisement
However, that number is "busy" ... as it has been occupied by fullback Hunter Luepke since he joined the Cowboys in 2023.
What lengths will Miller go to get what he wants? He had to meet Luepke at the negotiation table, of course, starting with a message through Instagram DM's.
READ MORE: Cowboys' Joe Milton Cut Plan Works; QB Re-Signs to Practice Squad
Miller explained the situation on his personal "Free Range Podcast".
After approaching him shortly after signing with the Cowboys, Miller first offered Luepke "chicken for life" from Greener Pastures Chicken, the company Miller co-founded.
Advertisement
Luepke had a savvy counter offer.
Cowboys' Camden Brown Reveals 'WTH?' Way He Learned About Roster Spot
"We had to kinda do some negotiating at first. He's been 40 for a long time," Miller said, knowing he couldn't arrive and "boss-hog" the number out of Luepke's ownership.
The fullback mentioned equity stake in Miller's company.
"That's something we can probably work out," Miller said in response.
Although Miller said Luepke initially asked for two percent of the company, which, Miller added, would've surpassed six digits in value, no actual terms of an ownership stake were disclosed.
Advertisement
"We were able to work it out," Miller said, "and I'm like 90 percent sure that I'll be number 40. He's been great with that whole process."
Miller, who is often referred to as a world-class teammate from his time across the NFL and at Texas A&M, said he and Luepke began their teammate bond through a variety of common interests, such as tattoos, during these negotiations.
"He's a part of the team," Miller said. "I think him being a partner at Greener Pastures Chicken, playing for the Dallas Cowboys , wearing the hat- I think it was valuable on my end and valuable on his end as well."
READ MORE: Emari Demercado's 'Roller Coaster' Ends at 'Home' with Dallas Cowboys
Advertisement
Greener Pastures Chicken is "one of the nation's first Regenerative Organic Certified® poultry," according to the company website, that prioritizes "regenerative farming, higher animal welfare standards and sustainable practices," to deliver high-quality chicken to customers nationwide.
The company is based out of Elgin, Texas - a rural suburb of Austin. Miller studied poultry in college and remains committed to "raising chickens the right way" during his 15-plus-year NFL career.
As a result, he has a new business partner ... and a familiar jersey number.
What Cowboys Moves Reveal About Brian Schottenheimer's 'Culture'
