Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller talks with the media after practice August 20, 2013, at Dove Valley. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
In the area of maturity and responsibility, Broncos’ strongside linebacker Von Miller appears to have come a long way in a year.
Miller is the Broncos’ union rep. He has been since former team rep Joe Dreessen was released on July 22 and the NFL Players Association needed a point of contact in case something came up.
Something came up. The union is currently engaged in a conference call with its 32 team reps to discuss the proposed new drug policy that would include the first-ever testing for human growth hormone.
Miller is on that call tonight as the Broncos’ rep. Just a year ago, Miller was serving a six-game suspension that may have been more about a guy who didn’t grasp the consequences of his actions rather than a problem with marijuana. There were missed court dates that led to warrants and more embarrassing publicity.
Since then, there have been no positive tests. Miller has been showing up on time for meetings. And when the union appointed Miller with the team rep responsibility, he took it seriously.
The Broncos’ players will formally vote on their union rep and assistant when union officials visit Dove Valley on Sept. 23. Miller will be a leading candidate to turn his interim role into a permanent position.
