Von Miller's path to the Dallas Cowboys took an unexpected detour through a Las Vegas casino. The veteran pass rusher, who signed a one-year deal with his hometown team on Sunday, revealed that a chance encounter with quarterback Dak Prescott this summer planted the seed for what would become a destined reunion.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Miller recalled sitting down with Prescott in the high-limit area of a Vegas gambling spot about a month ago. The two struck up a conversation, and Miller didn't hold back his belief in the Cowboys' signal-caller.
“It’s crazy because I ran into Dak in Vegas probably like a month ago,” Miller said. “He was sitting in the high-limit gambling. I just sat down with Dak and we just started gambling together and talking. And I’m like, ‘Hey man, it’s about time, Dak. It’s about time. You got to break through with one of these teams. You got to break through one of these years. I think this year you’ll be able to do it. You got everybody to do it.'”
At the time, Miller had no idea he'd soon be joining forces with Prescott in Dallas. The 37-year-old, who racked up nine sacks with the Washington Commanders last season, says the Cowboys' interest came as a complete surprise.
“I didn’t have any inkling on being a Dallas Cowboy,” Miller added. “It just happened naturally. And then the Cowboys reached out and I was just like, ‘Bro, this is a sign. This is a sign for me.'”
Miller's homecoming has sparked plenty of excitement, especially from Cowboys legend DeMarcus Ware, who knows a thing or two about terrorizing quarterbacks. The two-time Super Bowl champion is eager to help Dallas end its 30-year championship drought, a feat he believes would send the city into a frenzy.
“The Cowboys have been interwoven with my career playing football and never thought that I had an opportunity,” Miller said. “I lobbied a long time, but for that really to come true, it’s a dream within a dream for sure.”
Owner Jerry Jones expressed his delight at securing a Texas native like Miller, noting the veteran's presence adds a “great aspect” to the defense. Jones also doubled down on his faith in Prescott, insisting the quarterback has what it takes to lead the team to postseason glory.
“We’ve won games. We just need to win the right games,” Jones said. “I know this: I think he’s very capable of taking us all the way.”
Miller's arrival comes at a pivotal time for the Cowboys, who have been vocal about their Super Bowl aspirations. With the franchise valued at a record $15.5 billion, the pressure is on to deliver on the field. And if Miller's premonition holds true, Dallas might just have the missing piece to make a deep playoff run.
