Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller says he's imagined the Super Bowl 50 million times since going to the championship games two years ago.
"I got a huge opportunity in front of me," Miller said. "I want to take advantage of it."
"When I was a rookie, I had dreams and aspirations of coming in and doing great stuff," Miller said. "But what got me through everything was just keeping my head down, just focusing on what I needed to do."
Miller was drafted by the Broncos in the first round (2nd overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.
That first year, he had 64 tackles (50 solo) in addition to leading the club with 19 tackles for a loss and 24 quarterback hits in 15 starts.
He was just the second player in Broncos history to be selected to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. The first was kicker David Treadwell in 1989.
During Miller's third year on the team, the Broncos made it to the Super Bowl, but Miller didn't play because he was injured.
“It’s another chance at greatness," Miller said on this second chance. "It doesn’t come around often. We got another chance. Not only me, but Chris (Harris Jr.) and (Derek) Wolfe and all the guys that didn’t play in the first one. We’ve got another shot at it, so we definitely want to take advantage of the opportunity and be great.”
Miller doesn't care that his Broncos are considered the underdogs Sunday.
"I really don’t pay any attention to it," Miller said. "I am not betting on the game or anything like that. I am just going out there and I am just playing. I really don’t pay attention to all that stuff. We have a huge opportunity. Anything can happen on Sunday. We have a huge opportunity to go out there and play in Super Bowl 50, and we want to take advantage of it."
Miller said his mother is a huge part of his success.
"She’s my biggest motivator," Miller said. "She knows how big (of a) deal this is for me. She’s very, very supportive."
Mom even gives him pointers after the games.
"'Why do they hold you so much, why don't you tell the refs?'" Miller says his mom will tell him.
"(I am) like, ‘Mom, what would I look like going to the ref every play (if) they’re holding?’" Miller said.
"She has never missed (a) home or away game," Miller said. "I’m 26-years old. My mom and dad, they’re probably the most supportive parents in the world."
And with that support, Miller is ready for the big game.
“It is going to take a team effort to win the Super Bowl. It is going to take everyone on the roster to get the win," Miller said.
"This Super Bowl is very, very special to me," Miller said.
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