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Broncos' Von Miller discusses dancing, cardio, career goals

Posted at 3:04 PM, May 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-24 17:51:28-04

CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Von Miller brings shades of actor Liam Neeson to life in press conferences.

Miller possesses a particular set of skills. Skills he has acquired over his 28 years, and more specifically, his six-year NFL career. His skills make him a nightmare for offensive tackles. But racing around them is not the end of it. He remains, more than ever, poised to celebrate his accomplishments, sprinkling smiles into the No Fun League. 

"I am so glad you asked that question," Miller said.

Few players welcomed the NFL's new relaxed celebration rules as much as Miller. Miller owns an array of sack dances, including running like Forrest Gump and going to the well after a sack for three pumps. Wait. He still can't do that.

"Don't get any ideas about pumps @KeeganMKey -- they're still not OK under the new policy," tweeted commissioner Roger Goodell with the hashtag #FootballisFamily.

No worries for Miller. He has big plans for big scores. He told me he has the hook up from his season on ABC's "Dancing With The Stars." 

"It's a wonderful thing. We need to get a choreographer in here," Miller said, "because not everyone can move like your boy. ...I got you."

Miller sees celebrations as expressions of team success, and "this (new rule) allows for creativity." He wants to involve linemen because, after all, "they are like dancing bears." He wants the viewers to be entertained. If they are enjoying Miller, then the Broncos are typically winning. In that regard, the outside linebacker boasts huge goals this season. He seeks NFL's Defensive Player of the Year honors, an award which he lost out on by one vote to Oakland's Khalil Mack last year. He is determined to push the defense to be "greedy."

"If you get one sack, get two or three," Miller said. "Don't stop."

The defense turned heads on the first day of OTAs Tuesday, playing with speed and passion unusual for May. The Broncos are attempting to become only the second team to lead the league in pass defense three consecutive seasons. The No Fly Zone provides Saran Wrap coverage and works in concert with the quarterback turbulence created by Miller and crew. New coordinator Joe Woods has no plans to change the recipe for success, rather is looking to "sprinkle sugar" onto the scheme. That starts with stopping the run.

"I certainly think we have a whole lot more this year than we did last year,” said Miller of the Broncos, who added Domata Peko, Zach Kerr and DeMarcus Walker to the defensive line. "It's a special environment here, especially on defense."

Glance at the back of Miller's football card, and he makes a compelling Hall of Fame case. He is on that trajectory with 73.5 sacks in 88 starts. He believes he has not reached his potential. Greater impact requires increased participation. As a result, he has adjusted his offseason workouts.

"I think cardio and endurance is the thing that I need to focus on. If I can play eight snaps in a row that allows me to make plays," Miller said.

This offseason could not be more different for Miller. He has traveled less. He is working out with the team this spring. And he has time to enjoy the spoils of being Von. As Denver7 wrote about last month, Miller added new ink on his legs. After all, there's never a bad time to add championship art.

"Super Bowl MVP tattoo? You gotta have that one," Miller said with a smile.