Von Miller Honors Champ Bailey With No. 24 in Move to Commanders

Von Miller, former Broncos, Rams (2021), and Bills linebacker and two-time SB champion, signed with the Commanders with a third ring in sight.

Von Miller Honors Champ Bailey With No. 24 in Move to Commanders

Von Miller (Image via Getty Images)

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In an Instagram post on Wednesday, defender Von Miller announced his plans to move to the nation’s capital as part of his NFL legacy. The two-time Super Bowl champion reportedly signed with the Washington Commanders, with a one-year deal in the plans, according to Adam Schefter.

The Instagram post featured a sequence of three slides. The first was a scene from the movie Paid in Full, showing the iconic moment when Cam’ron’s character, Rico, tells his friend Mitch (played by Mekhi Phifer), “DC is ready for us.” In the second slide, Von Miller was digitally-edited wearing a Washington Commanders shirt with the No. 24 on it.

That number is a nod to one of his former teammates, legendary defensive back Champ Bailey, who played for Washington from 1999 to 2003. Von Miller and Bailey played together in Denver for three years, 2011-2014. The final slide wrapped up the post with a throwback image of Bailey in his Commanders’ attire.

Champ Bailey, a Hall of Fame, played five seasons for the Washington franchise after being drafted seventh overall in 1999. He was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2004 and played most of his career there, including winning Super Bowl 50. Von Miller had joined the Broncos in 2011. Bailey eventually bid adieu to the Broncos in 2014 and retired after a short offseason training program stint in New Orleans.

Although Von Miller would love to wear the No. 24 jersey, there are still a few loops he needs to clear first. He’ll have to convince both running back Kazmeir Allen and rookie cornerback Fentrell Cypress II, who are both listed as wearing No. 24 on the Commanders’ roster, to give it up.

The Washington Commanders can only make do with Von Miller at this juncture

Von Miller, who’s turned 36 this year, has a resume fit for the Hall of Fame in the future. The former DROY has made the Pro Bowl eight times, First Team All-Pro thrice, and has a Super Bowl MVP to his name.

Von Miller
Von Miller won the Super Bowl MVP with the Denver Broncos (Image via CNN)

In his storied career, Von Miller has recorded 129.5 sacks, the most for any active player in the league. He is currently ranked behind Lawrence Taylor and Leslie O’Neal in the 16th spot in all-time rankings. He has also 581 tackles, 27 forced fumbles, and scored two defensive touchdowns as well. On paper, Miller is one of the best additions in their recent defensive history, apart from Bobby Wagner.

However, some fans are concerned that Miller may be past his prime. Over the last two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, he recorded just six sacks, all of which came in the 2024 campaign. So, when the Bills released him four months ago, it didn’t come as much of a surprise.

Many assumed it was the end of the road and that Miller would soon retire. Instead, he sparked rumors of a potential return to the Denver Broncos, hinting that he wasn’t quite ready to hang up his cleats just yet. The champion mindset has some fans in DC feeling a bit better.

Former Commanders coach Jon Gruden reacted to the signing and claimed that the Commanders’ roster could do good with the spark brought in by Miller.

It’s a good signing. A veteran guy who knows how to rush the passer. He’s not going to be much of a run-stopping guy in Coach Quinn’s defense. But they do need some juice on third down and five yards plus, and he will give them that added spark.

Gruden told the Commanders’ Wire

Nevertheless, the questions are galore. When are the Commanders looking to get younger? If Dan Quinn plans to replicate the same final possession success as seen in 2024, Von Miller will need to suit every game. Can he?

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