One day after a MVP performance at Super Bowl 50, Broncos linebacker Von Miller is enjoying the victory.
"I am just enjoying being with my teammates, celebrating with those guys," Miller said Monday. "The Super Bowl MVP is special, but the Super Bowl ring is something that I will keep with me for the rest of my life."
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called Miller's performance Sunday, amazing.
"What an extraordinary young man. What an extraordinary player," Goodell said. "He played his lights out and led his team to, what many would say, is one of the best defensive performances in the history of the game."
"When we met Von, you know he has a sense of purpose," Goodell said of Miller even five years ago. "He was a young man that understood what he wanted to accomplish both off the field and on the field. He continues to do that, and he continues to impress us. He’s the kind of young man that plays this game at the highest level and does it off the field also. Von, we’re proud of you. You did a terrific job yesterday. We’re glad to give you the MVP trophy."
Miller didn't take credit. Instead he thanked his teammates.
"If it weren’t for those guys – those guys get me through the toughest of days. Aqib (Talib), T.J. (Ward), Kayvon (Webster), Malik (Jackson), (Derek) Wolfe, DT (Demaryius Thomas), I could name the whole 53-man roster. It’s those guys that grew me up on those Thursdays and those Wednesdays when it’s rough. They get me through those days. The personality in the locker room, it really inspires not only me, but everyone in the locker room, to be better," Miller said.
Miller said he felt like the Broncos were prepared for Cam Newton and the Panthers.
"We knew what type of team we were playing," Miller said. "Very, very talented team from wide receivers to the offensive guards, center and defensive tackle. We knew what type of game we had to play. It’s a true blessing to have a goal and go out and achieve it."
While some question whether the Broncos defense carried the Broncos offense, Miller doesn't see it that way.
“We carry each other," Miller said. "If it wasn’t for Peyton (Manning) making decisions that he made to throw the ball short so we could punt the ball, get the ball back. It was truly a team effort. Everybody is used to seeing Peyton go out there and throw 45 points a game. This year, it was truly a team effort. We all had a percentage in this Super Bowl win."
Miller also had a lot to say about how close he and his defensive teammates have become.
"We spent a lot of time with each other," Miller said. "It’s not really a 7-5 type of thing. I have teammates that spend a couple of weeks at my house. It’s truly a family environment. I think that’s where our success came from."
As for defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, Miller was also complimentary.
"He had a magical personality," Miller said. "You have a 68-year-old guy who is hip to everyday events and everyday dances and all that stuff. It’s truly an energy boost. We have guys, not only him, but you have Coach (Fred) Pagac and all these guys who are just so in love with coaching. That definitely brings up the atmosphere in Dove Valley.”
Miller's contract is up and there's a lot of questions about his future, but Miller doesn't want to talk about that.
"I have people representing my situation as well and it’s going to be a peaceful thing. I am not really worried about it," Miller said.
Instead, Miller is just thinking about this week.
"I was just talking to Coach Kubiak, I was asking if you could make the plane do backflips on the way home. It’s definitely going to be a magical week for us," Miller said.
