Bruce Smith Asks Bills’ Von Miller To Be Patient In The Recovery Process

The Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith produced 60 sacks after turning 34, so he has some experience with continuing to pressure the quarterback into his forties. He also offers some words of wisdom for Von Miller, a 34-year-old pass rusher for the Bills.

Bruce Smith Asks Bills’ Von Miller To Be Patient In The Recovery Process

As Von Miller recovers from an ACL tear, it’s sometimes difficult to predict how an older athlete would perform following such an injury.

Miller, who is 34, hopes to participate in Week 1 but you can’t hurry anything. Ask Bruce Smith, the hall of fame defensive end with the Buffalo Bills.

Smith (1985–1994) recorded 116 sacks in 139 games in his first 10 years, whereas Miller (2011–19 and ’21–22) has 1101/2 sacks in 161 games.

Smith missed all of 20 games in 2020 due to a foot injury, while Miller missed nine games in 2013 due to a ruptured ACL and suspension. Smith missed five games in 1991 due to late-July knee surgery.

Miller is headed for the Pro Football Hall of Fame as he enters his 34th season. Smith was a first-ballot nomination to the Hall of Fame after having 84 sacks in 140 games starting in his age-34 season.

Following his ruptured ACL from the previous season, Miller says he is anxious to return to the field and hopes to play in Week One. However, Smith warned the Buffalo News that Miller shouldn’t return to the field too quickly.

“First and foremost, ‘Father Time’ is undefeated,” Smith said. “Secondly, I’m sure Von’s mindset is to work extremely hard and diligently. He’s already a student of the game and will make sure he gets back to 100%. Unfortunately, the body thinks differently sometimes with age. … He can certainly play at a high level. I’m excited about him getting back on the field. I’m excited about him having the opportunity once again to show his dominance.”

He signed a massive six-year contract with the Bills last year, and this will be his second year with them.

Smith believes it could be smart if Miller doesn’t assert his dominance until a few weeks into the season after giving himself more time to recover.

 

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