03-08-2020, 05:17 PM
(This post was last modified: 03-08-2020, 05:24 PM by BRNXB0MBERS.)
MILLER, SECOND ROUND PICK, AND OUTLAWS A PERFECT FIT
Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic | Mar 8, 2020 | Phoenix
In the vast expanse of Arizona's deserts, a low-pitched roar grows.
It is a powerful roar. It’s a menacing roar. Although it often strikes fear in its opponents, it’s a welcome sound for Arizona.
Nose tackle Pete “Plop” Miller, who spent last season with the Norfolk Seawolves and played college football at the University of Kentucky, has reported to the Arizona Outlaws training camp facility and he’s impossible to ignore.
For the Outlaws, who missed the playoffs at 7-6 in S20, his intensity shows the promise of help on the field and attitude off it.
For Miller, who signed a three-year, $9-million deal with the Outlaws after being drafted in the second round of the S21 NSFL draft (14th overall), this is the perfect time, place, and situation.
"It's even better than I imagined," Miller said of his move to Arizona. "First there's the weather. In Norfolk, I wouldn’t see the sun for half the year. By the time it came up midday, we were already inside watching film. Here, it's unbelievable. It’s always sunny. Then you look around practice and see legends like Harrif Ernston, King Bronko, Reg Mackworthy, and Jaylon Lee. It's basically a Hall of Fame show every day at practice. It’s really inspiring."
Even with that impressive backdrop, Miller looms as big, bad, and bold as ever.
"His presence is indescribable," Outlaws cornerback Lucas Knight said. "So much swagger."
He also has the stats to back it up. In his one season in the DSFL playing for the Seawolves, Miller registered 45 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks, and two forced fumbles while establishing himself as one of the most talented nose tackles to ever play the game.
"I was fourth in tackles, second in tackles for loss, first in forced fumbles, and fifth in sacks among all defensive tackles," Miller said. "I was first in every major category among nose tackles. My resume is fine."
Despite spending all of his life in the Eastern Time zone, Miller seems like a natural Outlaw and is already a fan favorite.
"To be frank, I think he was made for that team," said Myrtle Beach offensive lineman Tony Tonogai, who played with Miller during S19. "He’s always toed the line, so he might as well be an Outlaw."
Like many Outlaws before him, Miller has no fear and plays with reckless abandon. Like his controversial predecessors, Miller does not care about his public image and abrasive reputation. He walks his own path and blazes his own trail.
Above all, Miller belongs in Arizona because this is a franchise that emphasizes defense. From Ernston to Lee, the Outlaws have always prioritized winning and performance on the field over potential off-field issues.
Miller emphasized that he shouldn’t be underestimated just because he’s a rookie.
"I've got a long career in front of me, and everything I'm doing now will set me up for success," said Miller, who turns 22 this season and plans to play until forced to retire.
Of course, there is some extra motivation.
The thought processes of DSFL GMs during the S20 draft may never be known, but Miller was motivated by the perceived lack of respect after falling to the 10th round. The Outlaws are hoping that fire continues to burn, allowing Miller to lead their defense for years to come.
"I think he feels like he was slapped in the face," Arizona GM Unicorn said. "Anyone who feels disrespected wants to prove those people wrong. He's still mad about it. You don't want those GMs to look smart. You don't want to see headlines talking about how you’re a below-average player.”
"He wants to come out here, put up huge numbers, and say, ‘See, I told you!' He's going to do that. He's going to show up and have a great year. We're depending on him."
After a down year last season, the Outlaws needed help on defensive and made drafting Miller and linebacker Trevor Mouseman a priority for co-GM dankoa.
The Outlaws were so enamored with Miller that Unicorn reached out to him personally. To Miller, that made all the difference.
"When you have the GM message you directly and he wants you on his team, it makes you excited to come in and produce right away," Miller said. "Some other GMs expressed some interest, but nothing like Unicorn. He was excited about the pick, and I fed off of that.”
"This organization has so much history. We tried in Norfolk, but it’s tough for a first year team. It was just bots before our class. That doesn’t make for great history. It wasn't about who ran the team. It was just the situation. Scorp was great, and I hope he’s able to build the Seawolves into a powerhouse. But this place is special and has been for a long time. It motivates me."
During the early days of training camp, Miller and Mouseman, joined by fellow S21 draftee Jackmerius Tacktheritrix and S20 draftee Jamie Nkiah, have settled in and become comfortable with the nickel scheme used in Arizona.
Miller, who played a little end in college, said the nickel approach took some getting used to, but it feels natural now.
"I fit into this defense better than I thought I would," Miller said. "Dankoa’s done a heck of a job mixing the different packages together. I called Coach Stoops [head coach at Kentucky] and told him that I loved it. He knew I was worried about the new scheme, but he never had any doubts. To be honest, I didn’t like it when I first got here. I really didn’t. This camp has been great though. I fit right in."
GM Unicorn is pleased too.
"Plop’s been exceptional," Unicorn said. "Every single day I sing his praises to the media. He's a high-energy, high-impact guy. He practices hard every day and does everything the right way. He might be best known for his playmaking ability, but the way he elevates everyone around him is truly remarkable. I can’t emphasize enough how important those types of players are."
Miller’s new teammates have been feeding off his energy from day one. In a recent full-pad, full-speed scrimmage with the New Orleans Second Line, Nkiah intercepted a Stan Francisco pass at the 20-yard line and ran it back for an 80-yard touchdown. To the cheers of his teammates, Miller escorted Nkiah all the way down the field to ward off would-be tacklers.
It was classic Miller.
"I never imagined that. I didn’t think he'd be the guy running down the field looking for a block, during a scrimmage no less," Nkiah said. "Where did he even get that speed? He certainly knows what it takes to win in this league."
At 6 feet 3 inches and back down to a lighter 310 pounds, Miller admits that he "might be slower than some, but [he’s] wiser."
One thing he is having trouble adjusting to is the increased interest with his personal life. Miller has learned to accept the media's fascination, but he doesn’t like it and avoids it whenever possible.
"I've always tried to separate my personal life from my football life," said Miller, who recently purchased a home in Scottsdale. "My personal life is not relevant. The media always tries. They want to know where I hang out, who I’m with, how my family is doing. I’ve seen so many athletes fall victim to their fame and not be able to enjoy themselves. I'm not going to be like that. I’m not going to hide or be a prisoner in my own house.”
"All I ask for is common courtesy. I understand the attraction, but I’m just a regular guy. It bothers me when I’m trying to have a nice meal or spend some time with my kids and I keep being interrupted. I try to be accommodating, but eventually I have to say no. And some people just can’t handle that. Like they’ve never been told no before. They get all offended, but I'm sorry my day doesn't revolve around you."
Miller, wife Kelly, and their children are getting settled into their new house and adjusting to life west of the Mississippi.
What about his legacy? Miller wants to join the greats in the Hall of Fame, but he’s not dwelling on it. He’s going to keep working hard and doing what he does best.
"It's not for me to decide," he said. "That’s up to the voters. Everyone is going to have an opinion. It really doesn't bother me and it’s not something I think about often. I answer to my coaches, my teammates, and myself. I want to play well and win. Everything else is secondary.”
"I’ll get my tackles, my sacks, my fumbles, my Pro Bowls, my awards. Whatever happens happens.”
edit: formatting. one of the paragraphs didn't have a new line
Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic | Mar 8, 2020 | Phoenix
In the vast expanse of Arizona's deserts, a low-pitched roar grows.
It is a powerful roar. It’s a menacing roar. Although it often strikes fear in its opponents, it’s a welcome sound for Arizona.
Nose tackle Pete “Plop” Miller, who spent last season with the Norfolk Seawolves and played college football at the University of Kentucky, has reported to the Arizona Outlaws training camp facility and he’s impossible to ignore.
For the Outlaws, who missed the playoffs at 7-6 in S20, his intensity shows the promise of help on the field and attitude off it.
For Miller, who signed a three-year, $9-million deal with the Outlaws after being drafted in the second round of the S21 NSFL draft (14th overall), this is the perfect time, place, and situation.
"It's even better than I imagined," Miller said of his move to Arizona. "First there's the weather. In Norfolk, I wouldn’t see the sun for half the year. By the time it came up midday, we were already inside watching film. Here, it's unbelievable. It’s always sunny. Then you look around practice and see legends like Harrif Ernston, King Bronko, Reg Mackworthy, and Jaylon Lee. It's basically a Hall of Fame show every day at practice. It’s really inspiring."
Even with that impressive backdrop, Miller looms as big, bad, and bold as ever.
"His presence is indescribable," Outlaws cornerback Lucas Knight said. "So much swagger."
He also has the stats to back it up. In his one season in the DSFL playing for the Seawolves, Miller registered 45 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks, and two forced fumbles while establishing himself as one of the most talented nose tackles to ever play the game.
"I was fourth in tackles, second in tackles for loss, first in forced fumbles, and fifth in sacks among all defensive tackles," Miller said. "I was first in every major category among nose tackles. My resume is fine."
Despite spending all of his life in the Eastern Time zone, Miller seems like a natural Outlaw and is already a fan favorite.
"To be frank, I think he was made for that team," said Myrtle Beach offensive lineman Tony Tonogai, who played with Miller during S19. "He’s always toed the line, so he might as well be an Outlaw."
Like many Outlaws before him, Miller has no fear and plays with reckless abandon. Like his controversial predecessors, Miller does not care about his public image and abrasive reputation. He walks his own path and blazes his own trail.
Above all, Miller belongs in Arizona because this is a franchise that emphasizes defense. From Ernston to Lee, the Outlaws have always prioritized winning and performance on the field over potential off-field issues.
Miller emphasized that he shouldn’t be underestimated just because he’s a rookie.
"I've got a long career in front of me, and everything I'm doing now will set me up for success," said Miller, who turns 22 this season and plans to play until forced to retire.
Of course, there is some extra motivation.
The thought processes of DSFL GMs during the S20 draft may never be known, but Miller was motivated by the perceived lack of respect after falling to the 10th round. The Outlaws are hoping that fire continues to burn, allowing Miller to lead their defense for years to come.
"I think he feels like he was slapped in the face," Arizona GM Unicorn said. "Anyone who feels disrespected wants to prove those people wrong. He's still mad about it. You don't want those GMs to look smart. You don't want to see headlines talking about how you’re a below-average player.”
"He wants to come out here, put up huge numbers, and say, ‘See, I told you!' He's going to do that. He's going to show up and have a great year. We're depending on him."
After a down year last season, the Outlaws needed help on defensive and made drafting Miller and linebacker Trevor Mouseman a priority for co-GM dankoa.
The Outlaws were so enamored with Miller that Unicorn reached out to him personally. To Miller, that made all the difference.
"When you have the GM message you directly and he wants you on his team, it makes you excited to come in and produce right away," Miller said. "Some other GMs expressed some interest, but nothing like Unicorn. He was excited about the pick, and I fed off of that.”
"This organization has so much history. We tried in Norfolk, but it’s tough for a first year team. It was just bots before our class. That doesn’t make for great history. It wasn't about who ran the team. It was just the situation. Scorp was great, and I hope he’s able to build the Seawolves into a powerhouse. But this place is special and has been for a long time. It motivates me."
During the early days of training camp, Miller and Mouseman, joined by fellow S21 draftee Jackmerius Tacktheritrix and S20 draftee Jamie Nkiah, have settled in and become comfortable with the nickel scheme used in Arizona.
Miller, who played a little end in college, said the nickel approach took some getting used to, but it feels natural now.
"I fit into this defense better than I thought I would," Miller said. "Dankoa’s done a heck of a job mixing the different packages together. I called Coach Stoops [head coach at Kentucky] and told him that I loved it. He knew I was worried about the new scheme, but he never had any doubts. To be honest, I didn’t like it when I first got here. I really didn’t. This camp has been great though. I fit right in."
GM Unicorn is pleased too.
"Plop’s been exceptional," Unicorn said. "Every single day I sing his praises to the media. He's a high-energy, high-impact guy. He practices hard every day and does everything the right way. He might be best known for his playmaking ability, but the way he elevates everyone around him is truly remarkable. I can’t emphasize enough how important those types of players are."
Miller’s new teammates have been feeding off his energy from day one. In a recent full-pad, full-speed scrimmage with the New Orleans Second Line, Nkiah intercepted a Stan Francisco pass at the 20-yard line and ran it back for an 80-yard touchdown. To the cheers of his teammates, Miller escorted Nkiah all the way down the field to ward off would-be tacklers.
It was classic Miller.
"I never imagined that. I didn’t think he'd be the guy running down the field looking for a block, during a scrimmage no less," Nkiah said. "Where did he even get that speed? He certainly knows what it takes to win in this league."
At 6 feet 3 inches and back down to a lighter 310 pounds, Miller admits that he "might be slower than some, but [he’s] wiser."
One thing he is having trouble adjusting to is the increased interest with his personal life. Miller has learned to accept the media's fascination, but he doesn’t like it and avoids it whenever possible.
"I've always tried to separate my personal life from my football life," said Miller, who recently purchased a home in Scottsdale. "My personal life is not relevant. The media always tries. They want to know where I hang out, who I’m with, how my family is doing. I’ve seen so many athletes fall victim to their fame and not be able to enjoy themselves. I'm not going to be like that. I’m not going to hide or be a prisoner in my own house.”
"All I ask for is common courtesy. I understand the attraction, but I’m just a regular guy. It bothers me when I’m trying to have a nice meal or spend some time with my kids and I keep being interrupted. I try to be accommodating, but eventually I have to say no. And some people just can’t handle that. Like they’ve never been told no before. They get all offended, but I'm sorry my day doesn't revolve around you."
Miller, wife Kelly, and their children are getting settled into their new house and adjusting to life west of the Mississippi.
What about his legacy? Miller wants to join the greats in the Hall of Fame, but he’s not dwelling on it. He’s going to keep working hard and doing what he does best.
"It's not for me to decide," he said. "That’s up to the voters. Everyone is going to have an opinion. It really doesn't bother me and it’s not something I think about often. I answer to my coaches, my teammates, and myself. I want to play well and win. Everything else is secondary.”
"I’ll get my tackles, my sacks, my fumbles, my Pro Bowls, my awards. Whatever happens happens.”
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1490 words
edit: formatting. one of the paragraphs didn't have a new line