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Von Miller Has His Smile Back Ahead Of Cowboys Debut
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- Von Miller Has His Smile Back Ahead Of Cowboys Debut
Von Miller has accomplished almost everything possible during his decorated NFL career, but the veteran pass rusher still feels something special as he prepares to make his Dallas Cowboys debut.
Miller is entering his 16th NFL season after signing with Dallas during training camp. The Texas native and former Texas A&M star is expected to play his first game in a Cowboys uniform when Dallas opens its season against the New York Giants on Sept. 13.
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Although his exact role remains unclear, Miller is willing to contribute wherever the Cowboys need him.
Miller embraces situational role with Cowboys
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Miller is not expected to serve as a three-down defender for Dallas. Instead, the Cowboys can preserve the 37-year-old by using him primarily in obvious passing situations.
Despite his age, Miller proved last season that he can still disrupt quarterbacks. He recorded nine sacks with the Washington Commanders, his highest total since 2022.
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Dallas hopes he can provide similar production alongside Rashan Gary, Quinnen Williams, Donovan Ezeiruaku and rookie Malachi Lawrence. Miller's experience should also benefit the Cowboys' younger defenders as they adjust to defensive coordinator Christian Parker's system.
Joining Dallas has renewed Miller's excitement
Miller missed most of training camp and did not appear during the preseason, making his potential debut against the Giants even more anticipated.
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The future Hall of Famer has played for several sucessful organizations and won Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams. However, finally wearing a Cowboys uniform has produced a different feeling.
"[The media is] probably the 50th person to tell me that," said the eight-time Pro Bowler. "The smile has come back, you know? I've always loved playing football. I've been able to play for some amazing teams, with amazing quarterbacks and amazing coaches. But it's just something different about being here. Coming here to The Star and seeing this amazing facility, and going to the stadium, I am glad we had that preseason game because I was in awe.
"I've played on the other side, but I haven't been on this side wearing white jerseys and playing for the good guys. I needed that acclimation period to just kind of get all my [starstruck] out. It"s still times where I'm just in awe and starstruck, but everyday it kind of wears off a little bit and I settle into being a Dallas Cowboy. I'm sure a lot of kids wish that, and I am living a dream."
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Dallas needs Miller's experience and production
Miller enters the season as the NFL's active leader with 138.5 career sacks. His presence gives Dallas a proven pass rusher who understands how to perform in important moments.
The Cowboys do not need Miller to be like his prime self. They need him to pressure quarterbacks in 3rd down situations, mentor younger players and make an impact when games are on the line.
Miller has his smile back. Now, he is ready to show that the "sack daddy" still has something left.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
