FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said Tuesday that Von Miller‘s first step has shown up in one-on-ones through a limited ramp-up, and that Miller has spent as much time with the offensive tackles as with the pass rushers.
Miller signed a one-year deal announced Aug. 16. The contract is worth $5.5 million and can reach $7.5 million. He missed the offseason program and all of training camp before joining the team.
“Well you see the natural pass rush ability, Garrett. I think when you watch him in the one-on-ones and a few reps that he’s gotten because he’s been in a ramp up, you do see his first step quickness, his understanding of how to tackle his angles and break down their hands,” Schottenheimer said. “I think he’s probably the longest tenured guy with BT Jordan in terms of the pass rush moves and the tools in your toolbox and all that stuff, but also the impact that he’s had with some of the younger players.”
“I talked a couple weeks ago about it’s not just the pass rushers that he works with. He talks to the tackles. He talks to different people,” Schottenheimer continued. “And he’s one of the most energetic guys on game day. Even during the preseason, you’re in preseason three of year 16, 17 for him. And first one to run out there and congratulate a guy when they make a big play, offense, defense. And I think the guys feel that.”
Von Miller And DeMarcus Ware
Miller has 138.5 career sacks, more than any active player. That total ties him with DeMarcus Ware for ninth in the official record, which dates to 1982. Four more would move him past Michael Strahan, Jason Taylor, and Terrell Suggs into sixth.
Miller turned 37 in March and is entering his 15th season. He has played 203 games.
He recorded 9.0 sacks for the Washington Commanders last season, his most since 2021. He started three of 17 games and played 36.9% of Washington’s defensive snaps.
Von Miller’s Career Résumé
Miller has 607 career tackles, 27 forced fumbles, and 2 defensive touchdowns. He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2011 and has been named to eight Pro Bowls and three first-team All-Pro squads.
He won Super Bowls with Denver and the Los Angeles Rams and was the most valuable player of Super Bowl 50. His 4.5 career sacks in Super Bowls are tied for the most in league history.
Miller grew up in DeSoto and played college football at Texas A&M.
The Dallas Cowboys Pass Rush Rotation
Dallas traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers a year ago. The Cowboys finished 2025 with 31 sacks and allowed 30.1 points per game, the most in the league.
Christian Parker is in his first season as defensive coordinator, and Dallas is running a base 3-4.
Rashan Gary arrived by trade this offseason with 46.5 career sacks and a Pro Bowl selection in 2024. Donovan Ezeiruaku was a second-round pick in 2025 and had 2.0 sacks in 17 games as a rookie. Dallas used a first-round pick this spring on UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence.
Brian Schottenheimer On Aaron Donald’s Return
Aaron Donald ended his retirement Sunday and returned to the Los Angeles Rams.
“Well, I saw a picture of him. He looks pretty good. So he’s been training a little differently than I have,” Schottenheimer said. “But great player. He’s good for the game, and just gives a good team another great player. But we’ve got a little time until we have to see him.”
Asked which player he would bring out of retirement, Schottenheimer named Michael Irvin.
“You can never have enough good receivers,” Schottenheimer said.
Dallas opens the regular season at the New York Giants on Sept. 13. Kickoff at MetLife Stadium is set for 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC.
