Hubbry Logo
Braxton MillerBraxton MillerMain
Open search
Braxton Miller
Community hub
Braxton Miller
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Braxton Marcellus Miller (born November 30, 1992) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was their starting quarterback from 2011 to 2013, before moving to the wide receiver position in 2015 after sustaining a shoulder injury. He was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Miller moved from Springfield, Ohio, to attend Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio, before his freshman year.[1] While there, he played high school football for the Warriors. He was named a Mr. Football Award Finalist, and also competed in the Under Armour All-America Game.[2][3] He was also a letterman in basketball and track, where he went to district and regional meet in the 4 × 100 m relay, with a best of 43.68 seconds.[4]

Miller committed to Ohio State on June 3, 2010, under then-head coach Jim Tressel. Miller also had scholarship offers from Alabama, Cincinnati, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Southern California, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.[5] It was rumored that Miller's friendship with another five-star recruit from Springfield, Ohio, Trey DePriest, would result in DePriest attending Ohio State as well. Instead, DePriest chose to attend Alabama.[6]

College recruiting information
Name Hometown School Height Weight 40‡ Commit date
Braxton Miller
QB 		Huber Heights, Ohio Wayne High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 4.46 Jun 3, 2010 
Recruit ratings: Scout: 5/5 stars   Rivals: 4/5 stars   
Overall recruit ranking:   Scout: 2 (QB)    Rivals: 1 (QB), 1 (OH)
  • ‡ Refers to 40-yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "2011 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved September 28, 2011.

College career

[edit]

2011 season

[edit]

Miller began the 2011 season as the backup to Joe Bauserman,[7] but saw action in the season opening game against Akron, where he completed 8 of 12 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown in the 42–0 victory.[8] Miller did not play in the second game of the season, a 27–22 victory over Toledo, due to a coaching decision, by interim head coach Luke Fickell.[9] Miller played very little in the third game of the season, a 24–6 loss to the Miami Hurricanes. Miller was named the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes' fourth game against Colorado.[10] His first career start turned out to be the best performance of his young career, as he tossed two touchdown passes, while going just 5 for 13 for 83 yards in the game. He was also able to run for 83 yards in the 37–17 victory.[11] His second career start proved to not be so successful, as the Buckeyes lost 10–7 against Michigan State.[12] For the game, Miller completed only 5 of 10 passes for 56 yards with an interception. He also was sacked several times resulting in −27 yards rushing.[13] In his third career start against Nebraska, Miller completed 5 of 9 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown,[14] before leaving the game with an ankle injury in the 3rd quarter.[15] The Buckeyes had built a 27–6 lead with Miller playing, but they went on to lose the game 34–27, with Bauserman leading the offense for the rest of the game.[16]

The following week, the Buckeyes defeated No. 16 Illinois, 17–7.[17] Illinois was 6–0 coming into the contest, but could not stop the Buckeyes' ground game, as they ran for 211 yards, with Miller accounting for 34 of those yards. Miller only attempted four passes the entire game, completing only one, which was for a touchdown.[18] After their bye week Ohio State faced off against No. 15 Wisconsin and won on a last minute 40-yard touchdown pass by Miller. He was 7 of 12 for the game with one touchdown and had 99 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in the 33–29 victory.[19] In the next game, against Indiana, he had 14 carries for 105 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in the 34–20 victory.[20] The Buckeyes ended the season on four-game losing streak.[21] In that stretch, Miller had some productive games. On November 12, in a 26–23 loss to Purdue, he had 175 yards from scrimmage as he passed for two touchdowns and recorded a rushing touchdown as well.[22] In the regular season finale, a 40–34 loss to Michigan, he had 235 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and one interception to go along with 16 carries for 100 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.[23] In the 2012 Gator Bowl against the Florida Gators, he had a poor game on the ground with 15 carries for 20 rushing yards but went 18-of-23 for 162 passing yards and two passing touchdowns in the 24–17 loss.[24] After the season, Miller became the seventh Ohio State player to take home the conference's Freshman of the Year accolade. He also won the 2011 CFPA National Freshman Trophy.[25] He finished the regular season ranked among the conference's top 10 in total offense with 11 passing and seven rushing touchdowns to go with 1,692 total yards.[26]

2012 season

[edit]

Going into the 2012 season, Miller had a new head coach in Urban Meyer.[27] He competed with Kenny Guiton for the starting quarterback position and won.[28] He had a great campaign as a dual-threat quarterback. In the season opener against the Miami RedHawks, he had 207 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and 17 carries for 161 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in the 56–10 victory.[29] The next week, a 31–16 victory over Central Florida, he had 27 carries for 141 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to go along with 155 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and one interception.[30] In the following game, in a 35–28 victory over California, he had his best passing game of the season with 249 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and one interception to go along with 75 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.[31] After a 29–15 victory over Alabama-Birmingham and a 17–16 victory over Michigan State, he had 186 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in a 63–38 victory over Nebraska.[32][33][34] In the next game, a 52–49 victory over Indiana, he had 360 total yards, passed for two touchdowns, and rushed for another.[35]

Miller and the Buckeyes won their final five games to finish with an undefeated 12–0 record. Despite their undefeated record, Miller and the Buckeyes could not participate in the postseason due to a bowl ban.[36] As a sophomore, Miller passed for 2,039 yards and 15 passing touchdowns with 1,271 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.[37] He finished in fifth place in the 2012 Heisman Trophy voting.[38] He was named the Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Year in recognition of his successful season.[39]

2013 season

[edit]

In the 2013 season, Miller continued to contribute for the Buckeyes. In the season opener against Buffalo, he had 178 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and an interception to go along with 17 carries for 77 rushing yards in the 40–20 victory.[40] In the following game, a 42–7 victory over San Diego State, he had to leave the game on the Buckeyes' first series due to a knee injury.[41][42] He returned to action three weeks later against the Wisconsin Badgers and had 198 passing yards and four passing touchdowns to go along with 22 carries for 83 rushing yards in the 31–24 victory.[43] After a 40–30 victory over Northwestern and a 34–24 victory over Iowa, he had 252 passing yards and three passing touchdowns to go along with 68 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in a 63–14 victory over Penn State.[44][45][46]

In the final four games of the regular season, all victories, Miller combined for ten passing touchdowns and six rushing touchdowns. The Buckeyes finished with an undefeated record of 12–0. However, they lost their final two games; the Big Ten Championship to Michigan State by a score of 34–24 and the 2014 Orange Bowl to Clemson by a score of 40–35. With just over 11 minutes left in the 4th quarter of the Orange Bowl, he injured his throwing shoulder completing a go-ahead touchdown pass to Carlos Hyde. The injury eventually required surgery in the offseason and contributed to him switching from quarterback to wide receiver.[47][48] As a junior, Miller had 2,094 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 1,068 rushing yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns.[49] He finished ninth in the 2013 Heisman Trophy voting and was once again named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.[50][51]

2014 season

[edit]

After having surgery on his shoulder in February, Miller tore the labrum of the same shoulder in practice and took a medical redshirt for the 2014 season.[52] His injury opened the door for J. T. Barrett and Cardale Jones to contribute at the quarterback position for the eventual National Champions.[53]

2015 season

[edit]

With the emergence of Barrett and Jones the previous season, the Buckeyes faced a three-way battle for quarterback going into the 2015 season.[54] Part of the competition was quelled when Miller announced in July that he would switch positions to H-back. This decision was a result of his shoulder injury a year before[55] Miller joined a receiving corps that included Michael Thomas, Jalin Marshall, and Curtis Samuel, as well as Ezekiel Elliot in the backfield.[56] In the opening game of the 2015 season, he scored a rushing and receiving touchdown in Ohio State's 42–24 victory over Virginia Tech.[57] He finished the season with 26 receptions for 341 yards, three receiving touchdowns, 260 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown.[58]

College statistics

[edit]
Ohio State Buckeyes
Season Games Passing Rushing Receiving
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds Avg TD
2011 12 10 4–6 85 157 54.1 1,159 7.4 13 4 138.4 159 715 4.5 7 0 0 0.0 0
2012 12 12 12–0 148 254 58.3 2,039 8.0 15 6 140.5 227 1,271 5.6 13 0 0 0.0 0
2013 12 12 10–2 162 255 63.5 2,094 8.2 24 7 158.1 171 1,068 6.2 12 0 0 0.0 0
2014 Redshirt Redshirted due to injury[59]
2015 13 13 0–0 1 1 100.0 3 3.0 0 0 125.2 42 260 6.1 1 26 341 13.6 3
Career[60] 49 47 26–8 396 667 58.6 5,295 7.9 52 17 146.7 603 3,314 5.5 33 26 341 13.6 3

Professional career

[edit]

Pre-draft

[edit]

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Miller was a top three performer in the 3-cone drill, the 20-yard shuttle, and the 60-yard shuttle. Miller was projected by many analysts and scouts to be a second or third round pick. He was ranked the ninth best wide receiver out of the 414 available by NFLDraftScout.com.[61]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 1+3⁄8 in
(1.86 m)		 201 lb
(91 kg)		 31+3⁄4 in
(0.81 m)		 9+1⁄8 in
(0.23 m)		 4.50 s 1.54 s 2.56 s 4.07 s 6.65 s 35 in
(0.89 m)		 10 ft 3 in
(3.12 m)		 17 reps
All values from NFL Combine[62]

Houston Texans

[edit]

The Houston Texans selected Miller in the third round (85th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft.[63]

On May 26, 2016, the Texans signed Miller to a four-year, $3.11 million contract with a signing bonus of $709,103.[64]

He entered training camp competing with Jaelen Strong, Cecil Shorts, Keith Mumphery, Will Fuller, Wendall Williams, and Quenton Bundrage to be one of the Texans' starting star wide receivers.[65] Miller was named the Texans's third wide receiver on their depth chart behind DeAndre Hopkins and fellow rookie Fuller.[66]

He made his professional regular season debut as a starting receiver in the Texans' season opener and caught his first career reception on a six-yard pass from Brock Osweiler. It was his only catch of the game, as the Texans defeated the Chicago Bears 23–14.[67][68] The following week, he had his first career carry for negative two yards against the Kansas City Chiefs.[69] On November 21, 2016, Miller caught his first career touchdown on a 12-yard pass from Osweiler in a 20–27 loss to the Oakland Raiders. He finished the game with a season-high five receptions for 25 receiving yards and a touchdown.[70] In Week 13, against the Green Bay Packers, he left midway through the game after he suffered a shoulder injury while attempting to catch a pass from Osweiler.[71] On December 13, 2016, the Texans placed him on injured reserve.[72] He finished his rookie season with 15 receptions for 99 receiving yards and a touchdown in ten games and six starts.[73]

In the 2017 season, Miller appeared in 11 games and recorded 19 receptions for 162 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. His most productive game statistically came against the Tennessee Titans in Week 13, where he had four receptions for 71 receiving yards in the 24–13 loss.[74][75]

On September 1, 2018, Miller was waived by the Texans.[76]

Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]

On September 10, 2018, Miller was signed to the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles.[77] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles on January 14, 2019.[78]

On August 17, 2019, Miller was waived by the Eagles.[79]

Cleveland Browns

[edit]

On August 21, 2019, Miller was signed by the Cleveland Browns.[80] He was released during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019.[81]

Carolina Panthers

[edit]

On October 22, 2019, Miller was signed to the Carolina Panthers practice squad.[82] He was placed on the practice squad/injured list on October 28, and released with an injury settlement on November 2.[83]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Year Team Games Receiving
GP GS Tgt Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
2016 HOU 10 6 28 15 99 6.6 12 1
2017 HOU 11 3 29 19 162 8.5 57 1
Total 21 9 57 34 261 7.7 57 2

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Braxton Miller

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Braxton Miller (born November 30, 1992) is an American former professional football player best known for his dynamic play as a at , where he later transitioned to due to a shoulder injury, and for his brief NFL career as a with the Houston Texans. A native of , Miller rose to prominence as a highly touted high school at Wayne High School in Huber Heights, earning a five-star recruit status and committing to in 2010. His college tenure from 2011 to 2015 was marked by exceptional athleticism, leadership, and accolades, including two Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year awards (2012, 2013), two Silver Football awards as Big Ten MVP (2012, 2013), and induction into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024. At State, Miller quickly established himself as the starting quarterback in 2011, his freshman year, leading the Buckeyes to a 6-7 record while throwing for 1,159 yards and rushing for 715 yards. He elevated his game in 2012, guiding the team to a perfect 12-0 regular season with 2,039 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, 1,271 rushing yards, and 13 rushing touchdowns, finishing fifth in voting. In 2013, after missing two early games due to a , he threw for 2,094 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 1,068 yards and 12 scores, placing ninth in Heisman voting and earning Big Ten Quarterback of the Year honors. Missing the entire 2014 season due to surgery on his throwing shoulder, Miller returned in 2015 as a and team captain, recording 26 receptions for 341 yards and three touchdowns, plus 260 rushing yards, contributing to State's 2014 win (achieved without him on the field that year). Over his career, Miller amassed 8,609 yards of total offense (third in Ohio State history), 3,314 rushing yards (seventh all-time), and was responsible for 88 touchdowns (second in program history), helping compile a 54-11 record. Selected by the Houston Texans in the third round (85th overall) of the , Miller played for the team from 2016 to 2017, appearing in 21 games with 34 receptions for 261 yards and two touchdowns before being released. After his playing career, Miller returned to his roots in , founding the Springfield Sports Academy in 2023 through his company Charg1ng, a program designed to develop youth academically and athletically with a focus on holistic success.

Early life

High school career

Braxton Miller attended Wayne High School in , playing football for the Warriors from 2008 to 2011 as the starting for four seasons. Known as a dynamic dual-threat player, he excelled in both passing and rushing, earning recognition as one of the top high school prospects in the country during his later years. In his junior season of 2009, Miller helped lead Wayne to a 7-4 record, with his career statistics up to that point totaling 2,628 passing yards and 938 rushing yards while accounting for 50 touchdowns. His performance that year drew national attention, establishing him as a premier recruit. Miller's senior year in marked his most prominent high school campaign, guiding the Warriors to an 11-4 overall record and a spot in the Division I state championship game, where they lost 35-28 to Lakewood St. Edward despite a strong comeback effort. He threw for 2,167 yards and 17 passing touchdowns while rushing for 658 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns, totaling over 2,800 yards of offense and demonstrating his ability to impact games through both air and ground attacks. His outstanding play earned Miller several prestigious honors, including Parade All-American status, selection to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, and a finalist spot for Ohio's . Rated a five-star recruit and the top in the class of 2011 by major services, Miller committed to on June 3, 2010, turning down scholarship offers from more than 40 programs, including , , Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, and USC.

Family and background

Braxton Marcellus Miller was born on November 30, 1992, in . He is the youngest of three children born to Kevin Miller, who worked in sales, and Kelly Miller, a homemaker. His older siblings include brother Breyon and sister Bailey, both of whom participated in sports, fostering a supportive athletic environment within the family. The Millers resided in a modest home on Monaco Drive in Springfield, a city of about 60,000 located between Dayton and Columbus, where Kevin's job and the family's focus on community and athletics shaped their daily life. Growing up in Springfield's working-class community, Miller was exposed to Ohio's strong football culture from an early age, with local youth programs and neighborhood games serving as common outlets for kids. His interest in the sport emerged young; by age four, he insisted on joining backyard football games with middle-school-aged children despite his parents' concerns about potential injury. This family-inspired passion led to his participation in local leagues, where he began developing his skills alongside peers in Springfield's recreational scene. The family's emphasis on hard work and resilience, drawn from Kevin's sales background and the community's blue-collar ethos, motivated Miller amid any early hurdles, such as balancing school and play in a competitive athletic household. Prior to high school, the Millers relocated from Springfield to Huber Heights to access better educational and athletic opportunities at Wayne High School, marking a pivotal shift influenced by the family's commitment to nurturing Braxton's talents.

College career

2011 season

As a true in 2011, Braxton Miller joined the amid a transitional period for the program following the resignation of head coach and NCAA sanctions that vacated previous wins and limited scholarships. Miller, a highly touted from high school, initially served as a backup to senior Joe , who started the first three games of the season. However, Bauserman's inconsistent performance, including a 24-6 loss to Miami (FL), prompted interim head coach to name Miller the starter beginning with the fourth game against . Miller went on to start 10 of the Buckeyes' 12 games, appearing in all of them and providing a spark with his mobility and arm strength despite the challenges of adapting to college defenses as a 18-year-old. In his collegiate debut against Akron on September 3, Miller entered in the second quarter and completed 8 of 12 passes for 130 yards and 1 , while adding 30 rushing yards on 6 carries, helping Ohio State secure a 42-0 victory. His first career start came against a week later, where he went 5-for-13 for 83 passing yards and 2 s, paired with 83 rushing yards on 17 attempts, contributing to a 37-17 win that highlighted his dual-threat potential early on. Throughout the season, Miller faced typical freshman hurdles, such as protecting the ball under pressure and refining his passing accuracy in a , but his athleticism shone in key moments, including a game-winning 40-yard pass to Devin Smith in a 33-29 upset over No. 13 . He also rushed for over 100 yards in two games, notably 105 yards and 1 against Penn State. Statistically, Miller completed 85 of 157 passes for 1,159 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 4 , achieving a 54.1% completion rate while averaging 96.6 passing yards per game. On the ground, he led the team with 715 rushing yards on 159 carries (4.5 yards per carry) and 7 touchdowns, demonstrating his value as a runner in Fickell's scheme. These contributions earned him Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, recognizing his immediate impact despite the Buckeyes' overall 6-7 record (3-5 in Big Ten play), their first losing season since 1999. In the loss to , Miller threw for 189 yards and 2 touchdowns but also his fourth of the year.

2012 season

In 2012, Braxton Miller emerged as the full-time starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes under new head coach Urban Meyer, appearing in all 12 games during the team's undefeated regular season. He demonstrated significant growth as a dual-threat player in Meyer's spread offense, which emphasized his mobility and arm strength to create explosive plays. Miller completed 148 of 254 passes for 2,039 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, while rushing for 1,271 yards and 13 touchdowns on 177 carries. These efforts helped the Buckeyes achieve a 12-0 record, capturing the Big Ten Leaders Division title despite being ineligible for postseason play due to NCAA sanctions from prior violations. Miller's leadership was evident in several high-profile victories, where he accounted for multiple and showcased his versatility. Against on October 6, he rushed for a career-high 186 yards on 16 carries, including a 72-yard run, and threw a 28-yard pass, contributing to a 63-38 rout that highlighted Ohio State's offensive firepower. In the regular-season finale against on November 24, Miller rushed for 153 yards and three while passing for 133 yards and two scores, powering a 26-21 win that clinched and extended the Buckeyes' winning streak to 12 games. These performances, among five games where he surpassed 300 total yards of offense, underscored his maturation into a dynamic field general capable of extending plays and elevating the team's rhythm. His standout sophomore campaign earned Miller widespread recognition, including the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year award in a vote by league coaches and media. He also won the Silver Football as Big Ten MVP. He also finished fifth in voting, receiving three first-place votes behind winner , reflecting his impact on a nationally ranked offense that averaged 43.3 points per game. As a key component of Meyer's system, Miller's ability to read defenses, improvise under pressure, and mentor younger teammates solidified his role as the program's cornerstone, setting the stage for future contention despite the postseason ban.

2013 season

As a junior in 2013, Braxton Miller served as the starting for the , leading the team through a highly successful regular season and into postseason play. He started all 14 games, showcasing his dual-threat ability by passing for 2,094 yards and 24 touchdowns while throwing 7 interceptions, and rushing for 1,068 yards and 12 touchdowns. Under his leadership, Ohio State achieved a 12-2 overall record, going undefeated in regular-season Big Ten play at 8-0 to claim the Leaders Division title and secure a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game against Michigan State. Miller's performance earned him the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year award for the second consecutive season, as well as the Silver Football as the conference's MVP. The Buckeyes' campaign marked the inaugural season under the expanded format, though Ohio State competed in the BCS system for bowl selection; Miller's command of the offense was central to the team's high-powered attack, averaging over 530 yards per game nationally. In the Big Ten Championship Game on December 7, Ohio State fell to Michigan State 34-24, ending their undefeated streak but highlighting Miller's resilience with 59 passing yards and 45 rushing yards in the loss. His overall contributions placed him ninth in voting, recognizing his role in guiding the Buckeyes to a No. 7 national ranking entering the postseason. Miller's season concluded in the against Clemson on January 3, 2014, where Ohio State lost 40-35 in a high-scoring affair. Early in the game, on the fifth play from scrimmage, Miller separated his right throwing shoulder after a hit while scrambling, a partial tear of the labrum that forced him to play through significant pain for the remainder of the contest; he completed 12 of 23 passes for 99 yards and added 52 rushing yards before exiting. The injury required season-ending surgery in February 2014, sidelining him for much of the following year and altering his trajectory as a .

2014 season

In August 2014, Braxton Miller reinjured his right throwing shoulder during a preseason practice on August 18, leading to surgery the following day for a torn labrum; this sidelined him for the entire season. The injury originated from damage sustained in the but had been partially addressed with minor surgery in February 2014. Ohio State granted Miller a medical redshirt, allowing him to preserve a year of eligibility for a potential return in 2015. Throughout the season, Miller remained with the team in a supportive role from the sidelines, watching redshirt freshman assume starting duties at quarterback. Under Barrett's leadership, the Buckeyes posted an 11-1 regular-season record, including a perfect 8-0 mark in Big Ten play, before defeating 59-0 in the conference championship game. Ohio State advanced to the , beating Alabama 42-35 in the semifinal and defeating Oregon 42-20 in the , finishing the year 14-1 overall. Miller's rehabilitation was projected to span 9–12 months, during which he committed to staying with Ohio State and affirmed his intent to return as a fifth-year senior in 2015.

2015 season

Following a injury that sidelined him for the entire 2014 season, Braxton Miller transitioned to during spring practice in 2015, a move necessitated by lingering limitations in his throwing ability after two surgeries on his right . Under the guidance of Ohio State receivers coach Zach Smith, Miller focused on mastering route-running fundamentals, blocking techniques, and adapting to the vertical demands of the position, which contrasted sharply with his prior experience as a . This adjustment proved challenging, as Miller initially operated in a hybrid role with limited snaps, but he gradually earned a more prominent place in the offense by midseason. In his senior year, Miller appeared in all 13 games for the Buckeyes, starting each one primarily as a and team captain while occasionally contributing on rushing plays. He recorded 26 receptions for 341 yards and three through the air, averaging 13.1 yards per catch, and added 42 rushing attempts for 260 yards and one score, showcasing his versatility and elusiveness after contact. His most explosive performance came in the season opener against , where he tallied three catches for 79 yards and a , plus five carries for 61 yards and another score, helping Ohio State secure a 42-24 victory. Later highlights included a 33-yard reception in a 38-10 win over Penn State, demonstrating his growth in contested catches. Miller's contributions extended into the postseason, where he played a supporting role in Ohio State's 44-28 victory over Notre Dame on January 1, 2016, catching two passes for 12 yards and rushing twice for 26 yards. Despite the Buckeyes finishing 12-1 overall but missing the after a Big Ten Championship loss to Michigan State, Miller's adaptability bolstered an offense that averaged over 40 points per game. For his efforts, he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors from both coaches and media, recognizing his seamless integration into the receiving corps alongside stars like Michael .

College achievements and statistics

During his five seasons at Ohio State University from 2011 to 2015, Braxton Miller demonstrated versatility as both a and , accumulating impressive dual-position statistics that highlighted his athleticism and impact on the Buckeyes' offense. As a passer, he completed 396 of 667 attempts for 5,295 yards and 52 touchdowns with 17 interceptions, while rushing for 3,314 yards on 599 carries with 33 touchdowns, and adding 341 receiving yards on 26 catches with 3 touchdowns. Miller's individual honors underscored his dominance in the , where he earned the Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year award twice, in 2012 and 2013, becoming only the fourth player in conference history to win it consecutively. In 2013, he also received the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten's . Additionally, he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2011 after leading all conference freshmen in total offense. Among his notable records at Ohio State, Miller set the single-season rushing touchdowns mark for a quarterback with 13 in 2012, while his career 3,314 rushing yards remain the program record for a quarterback. These achievements contributed to 26 wins as a starting (fourth-most in program history), with Miller playing a pivotal role on the team that won the Big Ten championship in 2014, including the program's first national title in 2014.

Professional career

Pre-draft process

Following the 2015 college football season, in which he transitioned to after three years as Ohio State's starting , Braxton Miller opted to enter the rather than return for another year of eligibility. His relatively brief tenure at the position, combined with a prior shoulder injury that sidelined him for the 2014 season, led to mid-round projections despite his athletic pedigree and prior accolades as a Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. At the 2016 held in February in , Miller measured 6 feet 1 inch tall and 201 pounds, then posted a 4.50-second and a 35-inch , along with strong times including a 6.65-second three-cone drill. These results, while solid for his size, particularly impressed scouts with his burst and change-of-direction ability following his recovery from labrum , signaling potential as a dynamic receiver despite the rawness of his route tree. Miller further elevated his stock at Ohio State's pro day on March 11, 2016, where he clocked unofficial times of 4.33 and 4.36 seconds, showcasing crisp route-running in position drills tailored to highlight his separation quickness. In interviews with personnel, he emphasized his versatility and football IQ gained from his background, which aided his adaptation to reading coverages as a receiver. Leading into the draft, mock projections varied widely due to his athletic upside versus limited production in just one full season as a (26 catches for 341 yards and three touchdowns in 2015), with some analysts slotting him as a late first-round talent while others viewed him as a third-round value pick amid concerns over his sample size at the position. For instance, post-combine mocks from ESPN's had him going in the first round to teams seeking speed, whereas NFL.com's seven-round projection placed him in the third round to the .

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans selected Braxton Miller in the third round, 85th overall, of the 2016 NFL Draft. On May 26, 2016, he signed a four-year rookie contract worth $3.11 million, including a signing bonus of $709,103. In his rookie season of 2016, Miller appeared in 10 games, starting six primarily as the slot receiver. He recorded 15 receptions for 99 yards and one touchdown, with his score coming on a 7-yard catch against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8. Early in the year, Miller suffered a hamstring injury during the Week 2 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, causing him to miss the next two games while undergoing an MRI and rehabilitation. He returned in Week 4 but faced further setbacks, including a shoulder sprain in the Week 13 defeat to the Green Bay Packers, which led to his placement on injured reserve on December 13, ending his season. Miller's second season in 2017 saw him play in 11 games with three starts, but his role diminished due to the established presence of wide receivers and atop the depth chart. He managed 19 receptions for 162 yards and one , highlighted by a career-long 57-yard catch in a Week 13 loss to the . Persistent injury concerns and limited opportunities contributed to his reduced production throughout the year. Following the 2018 preseason, the Texans released Miller on August 31 as they trimmed their roster to 53 players, citing his struggles in and ongoing challenges adapting to the position after two injury-plagued seasons.

Philadelphia Eagles

Following his release by the Houston Texans on August 31, 2018, Miller signed to the ' practice squad on September 10, 2018, as part of an overhaul at that also included Reggie Davis and Dorren Miller. During his time on the practice squad, Miller did not appear in any regular-season games for the Eagles, instead focusing on development as a receiver while training alongside established wideouts such as and . On January 14, 2019, the Eagles signed Miller to a , providing him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot in the upcoming season. However, after participating in and preseason activities, Miller was waived on August 17, 2019, as the team made room for quarterback amid roster depth considerations at . His stint with yielded no statistical contributions in games, emphasizing his role in practice and skill refinement rather than on-field production.

Cleveland Browns

Following his waiver by the Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2019, Braxton Miller signed with the on August 21, 2019, providing the former Ohio State standout an opportunity to continue his professional career closer to home. During his short tenure, Miller appeared in two preseason games for the Browns, where he recorded receptions and demonstrated his versatility as a while managing recovery from prior injuries sustained earlier in his career. He contributed to and preseason preparations but was not elevated to the active 53-man roster. Miller was waived by on August 31, 2019, as part of final roster cuts ahead of the regular season. The proximity to his roots during this period offered personal motivation, with Miller expressing a sense of belonging upon joining the team in his home state.

Carolina Panthers

Following his release from the ' practice squad on October 22, 2019, Miller signed with the ' practice squad the same day, providing depth at during the regular season. Miller's tenure with the Panthers was brief, as he suffered an ankle injury shortly after joining and was placed on the practice squad on October 29, 2019. On November 2, 2019, the Panthers released him from the injured reserve with an injury settlement, concluding his only involvement with the team. He did not appear in any preseason or regular-season games for Carolina, marking this as his final transaction in the and the effective end of his professional playing career.

NFL statistics

Braxton Miller's career was marked by limited statistical output as a , primarily with the Texans, where injuries and competition for playing time restricted his opportunities after being drafted in the third round of the . Over two seasons, he appeared in 21 games, starting 9, and recorded 34 receptions for 261 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 7.7 yards per catch. He also had minimal rushing involvement, with 4 carries for 1 yard. Miller did not record any statistics in 2018 or 2019 while on practice squads with the , , and .
YearTeamGPGSRecYdsAvgLngTDRush AttRush YdsRush TD
2016HOU10615996.6121300
2017HOU113191628.5571110
Career-219342617.7572410
Miller's production was hampered by recurring injuries, including shoulder and ankle issues, which sidelined him for significant portions of his tenure and prevented starts after 2017, as well as his position lower on the depth chart behind established receivers like .

Post-playing career

Professional transitions

Following his release from the Carolina Panthers' in late 2019 due to injury, Braxton Miller did not sign with any professional football team, concluding his brief tenure that spanned 21 games across two seasons. The cumulative toll of injuries, including a major shoulder from his college days and recurring hamstring issues that sidelined him during his time with the Houston Texans, contributed to the end of his playing career. After retiring from professional football in 2019, the in 2020 led to the cancellation of his annual Heisman Elite Charg1ng youth football camp through his company Charg1ng, founded in 2017, creating downtime that allowed him to expand his involvement in youth development through the Braxton Miller Foundation, including early steps toward coaching roles via sports programs. Miller has reflected on his short pro career with gratitude for the 2016 third-round draft selection by the Texans, viewing it as a fulfillment of his dreams despite the challenges and limited on-field impact.

Community involvement and personal life

Following his retirement from professional football in 2019, Braxton Miller founded The Braxton Miller Foundation in 2021 alongside his aunt, Lashonda Miller, to empower through , , and programs in . The organization hosts annual football camps, such as the CHARG1NG Youth Football Camp series, which provide free training for children in grades 1 through 8, emphasizing fundamentals, , and ; these events have expanded post-founding to include STEM initiatives and leagues, engaging hundreds of participants annually across locations like Columbus and Germantown. In his , Miller has embraced fatherhood, actively supporting his son Landon's athletic pursuits, including youth football, as highlighted in his ongoing involvement with local sports communities. By 2025, Miller extended his philanthropic efforts through a partnership with former high school teacher Amy Fugate at the Springfield Sports Academy, founded in 2023 through Charg1ng and aimed at empowering students via integrated academics, athletics, and mental wellbeing support; this collaboration included a high-profile tour with Governor in October 2025 to promote holistic student development. Miller has also engaged in motivational speaking, drawing from his experiences with injuries during his playing career to inspire resilience; in June 2025, he served as the keynote speaker at the Parker's Purpose fundraising event in Gibsonburg, , where he shared insights on overcoming adversity and personal growth. His advocacy extends to athlete , as evidenced by his emphasis on mental in the Springfield Sports Academy's to foster comprehensive success for young participants.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillBr03.htm
  2. http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/97125/braxton-miller
  3. https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2024/6/20/general-introducing-the-athletics-hall-of-fame-class-of-2024
  4. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/braxton-miller-1.html
  5. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/14156636/how-ohio-state-braxton-miller-made-move-quarterback-wide-receiver
  6. https://springfieldsa.org/2023/09/08/former-ohio-state-qb-braxton-miller-opens-sports-academy-in-springfield/
  7. https://www.maxpreps.com/oh/huber-heights/wayne-warriors/athletes/braxton-miller/?careerid=h2qgcm95kq6m6
  8. https://www.maxpreps.com/news/pEQmb28vEd-lugAcxJTdpg/nations-top-junior-quarterback-braxton-miller-commits-to-ohio-state.htm
  9. https://www.cleveland.com/buckeyeblog/2010/06/braxton_miller_will_get_chance.html
  10. http://www.waynewarriorsfootballhistory.com/
  11. https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/history/ft/state_results.htm
  12. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/773222-college-football-2011-why-ohio-states-braxton-miller-will-be-an-impact-player
  13. https://www.toledoblade.com/Ohio-State/2011/09/22/Freshman-Miller-named-Ohio-State-starter.html
  14. https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2022/04/130247/buckeye-pipelines-will-allen-marcus-freeman-and-braxton-miller-represent-waynes-best-buckeyes
  15. https://media.browns.1rmg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/26151716/Miller.pdf
  16. https://247sports.com/player/braxton-miller-458
  17. https://www.cleveland.com/buckeyeblog/2010/06/top-ranked_quarterback_recruit.html
  18. https://247sports.com/college/football/recruiting/Article/d-day-looms-for-braxton-miller-104713317/
  19. https://vault.si.com/vault/2013/03/04/once-more-with-meaning
  20. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/ohio-state/2011.html
  21. https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2011/09/ohio_state_handles_colorado_in.html
  22. https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2014/1/9/braxton-miller-will-return-for-senior-season
  23. https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2011/9/3/postgame-notes-no-16-18-ohio-state-1-0-42-akron-0-1-0
  24. https://www.[espn.com](/page/ESPN.com)/college-football/game/_/gameId/313230194/penn-state-ohio-state
  25. https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2011/11/30/braxton-miller-named-big-ten-freshman-of-the-year
  26. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/braxton-miller-1/gamelog/2011
  27. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/ohio-state/2012.html
  28. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/ohio-state/2012-schedule.html
  29. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2012/10/07/braxton-miller-ohio-state-nebraska/1617729/
  30. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-24-ohio-state.html
  31. https://www.elevenwarriors.com/2012/11/16946/braxton-miller-john-simon-honored-as-big-tens-players-of-the-year
  32. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/12/06/ohio-states-braxton-miller-wins-2012-chicago-tribune-silver-football/
  33. https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2012/11/ohio_state_qb_braxton_miller_n_1.html
  34. https://www.heisman.com/heisman-winners/johnny-manziel/
  35. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/big-ten-opoy.html
  36. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/ohio-state/2013.html
  37. https://247sports.com/Player/Braxton-Miller-458/college-22580/
  38. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-12-07-michigan-state.html
  39. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/heisman-2013.html
  40. https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2014/01/ohio_state_qb_braxton_miller_h.html
  41. https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2014-08-19/ohio-state-qb-braxton-miller-miss-season-shoulder-injury
  42. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/11376253/braxton-miller-ohio-state-buckeyes-miss-season-due-shoulder-injury
  43. https://www.si.com/college/2014/08/19/braxton-miller-ohio-state-buckeyes-season-ending-injury
  44. https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/report-braxton-miller-reinjures-shoulder-season-in-jeopardy/
  45. https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/college/2014/12/11/braxton-miller-wants-to-stay/23824869007/
  46. https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2014/12/ohio_state_footballs_jalin_mar.html
  47. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/ohio-state/2014-schedule.html
  48. https://www.nfl.com/news/braxton-miller-s-recovery-period-will-take-9-12-months-0ap3000000381040
  49. https://www.landgrantholyland.com/2014/8/19/6046431/braxton-miller-says-hes-coming-back-to-ohio-state-for-2015
  50. https://www.si.com/college/2015/07/23/braxton-miller-ohio-state-move-wide-receiver
  51. https://www.landgrantholyland.com/2015/10/29/9632764/braxton-miller-2015-nfl-draft-ohio-state-h-back-quarterback-to-wide-receiver
  52. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/braxton-miller-1/gamelog/2015/
  53. https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400756905
  54. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/ohio-state/2015-schedule.html
  55. https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2016/04/braxton_miller_nfl_draft_2016.html
  56. https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2013/12/3/miller-big-tens-offensive-player-of-the-year
  57. https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/107373/each-of-3-ohio-state-quarterbacks-can-make-a-statistical-case
  58. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/11345297/ohio-state-buckeyes-qb-braxton-miller-wants-title-add-personal-honors
  59. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/braxton-miller/32004d49-4c14-6472-6603-0ba93d9ad785
  60. https://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2016bmiller.php
  61. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2016-combine.htm
  62. https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2016/2/27/11126484/2016-nfl-combine-results-will-fuller-braxton-miller-wide-receiver
  63. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/braxton-miller-obliterates-his-own-combine-40-time-at-pro-day
  64. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2623914-braxton-miller-at-ohio-state-pro-day-2016-photos-video-highlights-and-reaction
  65. https://nflmocks.com/2016/03/06/braxton-miller-wr-ohio-state-2016-nfl-draft-scouting-report/
  66. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2620313-2016-nfl-mock-draft-matt-millers-post-combine-projections
  67. https://www.nfl.com/news/2016-seven-round-mock-draft-team-by-team-projections-0ap3000000655107
  68. https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-select-braxton-miller-in-round-3-17089394
  69. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/19039/braxton-miller
  70. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillBr03/gamelog/2016/
  71. https://www.espn.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/17359/texans-wr-braxton-miller-out-for-game-with-hamstring-injury
  72. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillBr03/gamelog/2017/
  73. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/texans-surprisingly-cut-2016-third-round-pick-braxton-miller-per-report/
  74. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/eagles-overhaul-of-receivers-on-practice-squad-includes-wr-braxton-miller
  75. https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2018/9/8/17835278/braxton-miller-philadelphia-eagles-practice-squad-5-things-know-wide-receiver-ohio-state-nfl-texans
  76. https://www.pennlive.com/philadelphiaeagles/2019/08/philadelphia-eagles-waive-wr-braxton-miller-after-signing-qb-josh-mccown.html
  77. https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-sign-wr-braxton-miller
  78. https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/08/browns-roster-cuts-to-53-ishmael-hyman-jt-hassell-among-the-first-wave.html
  79. https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/nfl/browns/scottish-hammer-stays-braxton-miller-waived-as-cleveland-browns-reduce-roster/95-30c0886e-ba7d-4c59-a1dd-356aa5b0fa98
  80. https://abc6onyourside.com/sports/content/browns-cut-roster-to-53-waive-former-buckeye-braxton-miller
  81. https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/news-notes-braxton-miller-feels-at-home-after-joining-browns
  82. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2570987/braxton-miller
  83. https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-make-moves-at-wide-receiver-braxton-miller-deandrew-white
  84. https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/transactions/_/name/car/season/2019
  85. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/1824414/braxton-miller/
  86. https://nfltraderumors.co/panthers-release-wr-braxton-miller-from-ps-with-injury-settlement/
  87. https://www.houstontexans.com/news/wr-braxton-miller-returns-to-practice-17826115
  88. https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/columns/2024/10/09/ohio-state-college-football-quarterback-braxton-miller-qb-father-oller/75549952007/
  89. https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2021/07/10/ohio-state-qb-duo-targets-urbana-campus-for-prep-school-
  90. https://www.linkedin.com/in/braxtonmiller13
  91. https://www.thebraxtonmillerfoundation.org/
  92. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/85-3880600
  93. https://abc6onyourside.com/sports/the-football-fever/braxton-miller-gearing-up-for-start-of-his-foundation-featuring-stem-camps-programming
  94. https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/braxton-miller-former-teacher-amy-fugate-team-up-to-empower-students-at-springfield-sports-academy/SJ4F6F6V6FCKPCFIIQ6GUMY65M/
  95. https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/photos-mike-dewine-first-lady-fran-dewine-and-braxton-miller-tour-springfield-sports-academy/IGBULNLGHBCZ5AI7MKVYHPYVBU/
  96. https://www.facebook.com/bcsnsports/videos/sn-recap-braxton-miller-serves-as-keynote-speaker-for-parkers-purpose-6-21-25/2239449283177645/
  97. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/braxtonmiller13_activity-7332527923809198082-RM1g
  98. https://www.facebook.com/springfieldnewssun/posts/im-excited-to-help-students-find-success-in-all-areas-academics-mental-wellbeing/1351105640350336/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.