Von Miller, a Buffalo Bills linebacker, has won 2 Super Bowls and been MVP in the league. The towering 6′ 3″, 213-pound athlete has come a long way. He was a geek during his school days. And his father, Von Miller Sr., didn’t think he would become a footballer. But the boy loved football. The LB was so desperate to play that he made a secret pact with his mother, Gloria Miller.

The mother believed in him. She helped him pursue his passion for football. And now he is one of the best in the league. Let’s explore his parent’s version of the story.

Who are Gloria Miller and Von Miller Sr.?

Miller was born in DeSoto, Texas. His father operated a power supply business and still lives there. His mother used to help her husband with anything she could. Mostly, Gloria focused on her sons, Von Miller and his younger brother, Vinsynzie ‘Vins’. However, they both were athletes during their high school years. And the LB got sports genes from there.

By the time Von Miller was in 6th grade, the sports genes in his blood were pumping. One day, he rushed to his father and told him he wanted to play football. Von Miller Sr. smirked and turned away his request, saying, “Boy, you are not ready. You’re way too skinny to be playing football.” He was a nerd then and wore glasses. However, the LB decided to pursue his mother.

He went to her and made all types of excuses, claiming that he would make his bed and mow the lawn. Sensing the young boy’s immense desire to play, she allowed him. But there was one condition. It would have to remain a secret. Von Miller happily agreed. He would change dresses in the car. But his team went undefeated. And then he told his father about his achievement.

Von Miller Sr. was impressed. Then began a journey that culminated in champion athletes.

How did Von Miller’s parents influence his life?

When the LB watched the NFL during his younger days, he often yelled, “I want my daddy to yell for me like that one day. I’m going to the NFL. I’m going to the National Football League. I’m going.” Gloria Miller would often nod and say yes. But she knew that’s easier said than done. Von Miller Sr. would take care of the financial aspect of the things.

Von Miller struggled with asthma. And Gloria would always reserve a prime parking spot near the charger so that she could run the electronic nebulizer through the cord. During the high school games, the linebacker often ran to his mother’s car, inhaled for a few minutes, and then returned to the field.

Slowly, their life became her life. She would go to the practice, the hospitals for treatment, and later to the NFL stadiums. When Von Miller’s Broncos were up against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl LV, Gloria booked the ticket using an online platform. But she wasn’t warned about neighbors. In the stadium, the mother found herself surrounded by Panthers fans. However, the game went in her son’s favor.

It was history. Von Miller fulfilled his prophecy. The parents were proud. They still are! Even now, they throng to the stadiums to watch their son in action. It’s a dream come true for the family. Stay tuned for more stories.