Von Miller needs a ramp-up period before he takes the practice field for the first time as a Dallas Cowboy. He moved a step closer on Tuesday, when the Cowboys introduced him out in California ahead of their joint practice with the New Orleans Saints.
While training camp numbers often serve as placeholders for down-roster players, a future first-ballot Hall of Famer obviously can't be playing jersey roulette.
Miller shot down the idea of taking No. 94 out of respect for DeMarcus Ware. No. 40 is a different story, though Miller will have to negotiate a deal with Hunter Luepke. That is already in process, as the 37-year-old revealed.
"Hunter, we already started off on a great foot," Miller said. "... I'm not gonna get caught up in a number, but I did make some offers to him already that I really feel like he can't come off of those. You know, I think a lifetime supply of chicken will do it."
If you're Hunter Luepke, how have you not accepted Miller's offer? It may be ridiculous. Wait, what are we saying? A lifetime supply of chicken for a jersey number is, without question, ridiculous. But that's besides the point.
Von Miller really wants the Cowboys' No. 40 from Hunter Luepke
Before you ask, 'What kind of chicken?', Miller is actually the co-founder of Greener Pastures Chicken, which is a poultry company based in Texas that is "helping redefine what healthy chicken should be," per its official website.
Miller grew up raising chickens and majored in poultry science at Texas A&M. Suffice it to say that his offer of a lifetime supply of chicken is legitimate.
You have to think this ends with Miller wearing No. 40. Luepke wore No. 44 at North Dakota State, and according to the Cowboys' official website, the number is currently unclaimed.
There's an easy solution here, though you have to feel for Luepke with one of the NFL's most decorated pass rushers vying for his jersey number.
Miller made sure to clarify that he's here to win and that it's no big deal if he and Luepke can't find a middle ground. The jersey is an afterthought at the end of the day, but players of his stature typically get the number they want. And there's an obvious alternative staring Luepke right in the face: No. 44.
Of course, this is a largely meaningless -- albeit entertaining -- subplot of Miller joining the Cowboys. His introductory press conference made two things clear: He'll stop at nothing to get No. 40, and he's passionate and motivated about helping his childhood team win football games.
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