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Keith Millard
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Keith Joseph Millard (born March 18, 1962) is an American former professional football player who played as a defensive tackle for nine seasons for the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles from 1985 to 1993 in the National Football League (NFL).[1]
Key Information
Early life and college
[edit]Millard was born in Pleasanton, California to Brian Appleford, a British Royal Marine, and Paddie McCloskey. The two separated when Millard was two years old and were divorced three years later. One year later, Paddie met and married Jack Millard, a carpet layer, and insisted that her children be adopted by Millard.[2]
He was a tight end and linebacker at Foothill High School in Pleasanton. He played college football at Washington State University. As a freshman Millard played tight end but was moved to defensive tackle as a sophomore, where he started first time as a junior. He was voted first-team All-Pac-10 as a senior and won the Morris Trophy as the Pac-10's top defensive lineman.[3][4] As a senior, he was named a first-team All-American by Gannett News Service.[5]
Professional career
[edit]Millard was selected by the Vikings based on a recommendation from their scout Don Deisch in the first round of the 1984 NFL draft and played one season in the USFL.[6] He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1988 and 1989. He held the NFL record for most sacks in a single season by a defensive tackle with 18 in 1989, and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year that season. His record was broken by Aaron Donald in 2018.[7] The following season he suffered a career-changing injury in a week 4 contest versus Tampa Bay, tearing both his medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee when his cleats got caught up in landing when trying to leap over a player that had his knees buckle.[8] The injury effectively ended his time in Minnesota. He played with three further teams and retired twice.
Millard's large stature was a huge asset in bulking up the Minnesota Vikings defensive line. His All-Pro honors and record-setting sacks make him a Minnesota Vikings great. He played in 93 games during his career, making 58 sacks, and two interceptions.[9][10]
Millard was voted among the top 50 players to ever play for the Minnesota Vikings In 2010.[11]
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Legend | |
|---|---|
| NFL Defensive Player of the Year | |
| Bold | Career high |
| Year | Team | GP | Tackles | Fumbles | Interceptions | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | FF | FR | Yds | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | PD | |||
| 1985 | MIN | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1986 | MIN | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10.5 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 17.0 | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| 1987 | MIN | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.5 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1988 | MIN | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8.0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1989 | MIN | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18.0 | 0 | 1 | 31 | 1 | 48 | 48.0 | 48 | 0 | 0 |
| 1990 | MIN | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1991 | MIN | 0 | Did not play due to injury | ||||||||||||
| 1992 | GB | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SEA | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1993 | PHI | 14 | 19 | 18 | 1 | 4.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career[12] | 93 | 19 | 18 | 1 | 58.0 | 0 | 10 | 47 | 2 | 65 | 32.5 | 48 | 0 | 0 | |
Coaching career
[edit]After retirement as a player, Millard went on to coaching. He coached at the college level, in the Spring Football League with the Los Angeles Dragons, and the XFL, San Francisco Demons, before getting a job with the Denver Broncos' coaching staff as the club's defensive line coach/pass rush specialist. He was in charge of creating and implementing all pass rush techniques used in the Broncos' defensive scheme. Under Millard, the Broncos had one of the toughest defenses in the league. Millard coached the Oakland Raiders defensive line from 2005 to 2007. In 2009, he was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Merced College Blue Devils. On February 8, 2011, it was announced that Millard, along with Grady Stretz, will be a defensive line coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, specializing in pass rush. In 2012, Millard was hired by the Titans as an assistant coach.[7] When he was let go in 2013, he elected to spend more time with his family.[13]
References
[edit]- ^ "Keith Millard Stats, News and Video - DT". NFL.com.
- ^ https://vault.si.com/vault/1991/07/29/deep-scars-coming-back-from-last-falls-severe-knee-injury-keith-millard-of-the-minnesota-vikings-seeks-to-heal-emotional-wounds-as-well
- ^ "Cabernet Indoor Sports » Bio". Archived from the original on March 2, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
- ^ "Keith Millard's the Art of Pass Rush - Bio's". Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
- ^ Buchsbaum, Joel S. (November 29, 1983). "Young, not Rozier deserves trophy". The Pensacola Journal. Gannett News Service. p. 3B. Retrieved February 26, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "1984 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- ^ a b "Bucs add DL coaches Keith Millard, Grady Stretz | Tampa Bay Buccaneers blog: Bucs Beat". Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
- ^ http://www.upi.com/amp/Archives/1990/10/02/Millard-out-for-season-career-threatened/2071654840000/
- ^ "Keith Millard Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
- ^ https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1992/10/24/millard-retires-citing-injury/
- ^ "Minnesota Vikings | the 50 Greatest Vikings". Archived from the original on January 8, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
- ^ "Keith Millard Stats". ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved March 5, 2014.
- ^ Hanson, Scott (December 25, 2018). "From football to full-time father: Former WSU star Keith Millard embraces being stay-at-home dad". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
External links
[edit]Keith Millard
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Childhood and high school
Keith Millard was born on March 18, 1962, in Pleasanton, California. His biological parents were Brian Appleford, a British Royal Marine, and Paddie McCloskey, who separated when Millard was two years old; his mother later remarried Jack Millard, who adopted her children, including Keith. The blended family was large and dysfunctional, consisting of nine siblings amid frequent tensions that led to police visits and a chaotic household environment. Due to these challenges, Millard eventually moved in with his older brother Tony during his high school years.[7][8] As a youth, Millard focused on soccer, playing from second grade through his junior year of high school and earning recognition as an All-Star player. He aspired to play professional soccer in Europe and was a standout in local youth leagues, but his mother strongly opposed his interest in American football during his early years. This initial emphasis on soccer shaped his athletic development, highlighting his speed and agility before he transitioned to gridiron sports.[4] Millard began playing football as a junior at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, California, initially as a tight end and linebacker despite his soccer background and long hair drawing skepticism from coaches; at 6 feet 4 inches and around 190 pounds, he quickly demonstrated strong hands and earned first-team recognition that season. His senior year was cut short after three to four games when he was kicked off the team for fighting a teammate, reflecting his self-described "hothead" temperament amid ongoing family instability. Little is documented about his academic performance or non-athletic interests during high school, though the home environment posed significant personal challenges that influenced his focus on athletics.[8][9] Due to his limited senior-year participation, Millard attracted minimal college recruitment interest initially, but his high school teacher George Baljevich recommended him to a Washington State University scout visiting Foothill for another player. WSU head coach Jim Walden reviewed Millard's game tape and offered him a scholarship, leading to his commitment to the Cougars.[9][8]College career
Keith Millard enrolled at Washington State University in 1980, initially playing as a tight end in a veer offense under coach Jim Walden. His opportunities were limited by the presence of All-American tight end Pat Beach, prompting a switch to the defensive line as a sophomore in 1981, where he began to develop as a defensive tackle. This positional change allowed Millard to leverage his athleticism from high school soccer into football, marking a foundational shift in his career.[4] During his sophomore season in 1981, Millard saw increased playing time on defense as the Cougars achieved an 8-3-1 record, culminating in their first bowl appearance since 1930 at the Holiday Bowl, where they fell 36-38 to Brigham Young. As a junior in 1982, he earned All-Pacific-10 honorable mention recognition while contributing to a 3-7-1 team that showed defensive improvement. Millard's physical development accelerated through dedicated strength training, transforming him into a more imposing presence on the line and preparing him for professional scrutiny.[10][5] In his senior year of 1983, Millard emerged as a dominant force, recording 84 tackles and 12.5 sacks en route to first-team All-Pac-10 honors, the Morris Trophy as the conference's top defensive lineman, and All-American honorable mention. His standout performances included key disruptions against rivals, solidifying his role in a defense that helped the Cougars finish 7-4. Following the season, Millard participated in the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Game, showcasing his skills to NFL scouts. Over his college tenure from 1981 to 1983, he amassed 21.5 career sacks, establishing himself as one of Washington State's premier defensive linemen. He was inducted into the Washington State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.[5][11]Professional playing career
USFL career
Keith Millard was selected by the Arizona Wranglers in the first round (fifth overall) of the 1984 USFL Draft but was subsequently traded to the Jacksonville Bulls prior to the start of the league's 1985 season. Despite being chosen in the first round (13th overall) of the 1984 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Millard chose to sign with the Bulls, attracted by a more financially rewarding offer that provided immediate security over waiting for an NFL roster spot.[12][13][14] As a defensive lineman for the Bulls under head coach Lindy Infante, Millard transitioned to professional play by adjusting to the faster pace and more sophisticated defensive alignments compared to college football. Infante's scheme emphasized aggressive front-four pressure, allowing Millard to leverage his quick first step and power in pursuit of the quarterback.[15][16] In the 1985 USFL season, Millard emerged as a standout pass rusher, tallying 12 sacks to rank second league-wide behind Dave Tipton's 14, while also generating tackles for loss and forced fumbles that disrupted opposing offenses. His production built on a strong college foundation at Washington State, where he had consistently pressured quarterbacks as a precursor to his pro success.[17][18][19][20] The USFL's innovative rules, including a greater emphasis on forward passing through adjustments like advancing the ball to the 48-yard line on kickoff returns to promote offensive opportunities, created a pass-heavy environment that aligned well with Millard's disruptive style and rewarded skilled edge rushers.[21] Millard's one-year contract with the Bulls included a $150,000 deferred signing bonus, which he agreed to forfeit in August 1985 as part of his unconditional release, enabling him to join the Vikings midseason after the USFL's final campaign.[22]NFL career with Minnesota Vikings
Keith Millard joined the Minnesota Vikings in August 1985 as a free agent after clearing waivers from the USFL's Jacksonville Bulls, where he had played the spring season, allowing him to transition immediately to the NFL roster following the league's ongoing antitrust lawsuit resolution.[22] Drafted by the Vikings in the first round (13th overall) of the 1984 NFL Draft out of Washington State, Millard had opted for the USFL initially but signed a multi-year contract with Minnesota upon availability, starting as a rotational defensive end before shifting to defensive tackle.[1] His USFL experience provided a foundation in professional physicality, preparing him for the Vikings' demanding defensive line under coordinator Bob Hollway.[5] In his rookie NFL season of 1985, Millard recorded 11 sacks while appearing in all 16 games with six starts, contributing to the Vikings' defensive rotation alongside veterans like Doug Martin and Mark Mullaney.[1] The following year, 1986, saw him transition fully to defensive tackle under new coordinator Floyd Peters, who implemented techniques emphasizing quick penetration from the three-technique position, resulting in 10.5 sacks over 15 starts as the Vikings finished 9-7.[1][23] The 1987 season, shortened by a players' strike to nine games for Millard, yielded 3.5 sacks but highlighted his run-stopping presence, earning second-team All-Pro honors despite the limited play; the Vikings advanced to the playoffs, reaching the NFC Championship Game with Millard's support in three postseason appearances.[1] Millard's performance elevated in 1988 within Peters' 4-3 scheme, where he notched 8 sacks in 15 starts, forming a formidable interior duo with Henry Thomas that bolstered the Vikings' pass rush alongside end Chris Doleman.[1][7] The team posted a 10-6 record and made the playoffs again, losing in the divisional round, with Millard's technique—honed under Peters' emphasis on leverage and hand usage—allowing him to disrupt plays effectively.[23] His peak came in 1989, when he led all defensive tackles with 18 sacks, anchoring a unit that recorded 71 total sacks (second in the NFL) and propelled the Vikings to an 10-6 record, a wild-card win over the Los Angeles Rams, and an NFC Championship Game appearance against the San Francisco 49ers.[1] Integrated seamlessly with Thomas at the other tackle spot and Doleman on the edge, Millard's dominance in Peters' aggressive front exemplified the Vikings' top-ranked defense that season.[24] The 1990 season marked a sharp decline due to injury, as Millard managed only 2 sacks in four starts before suffering a torn medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a game against the Green Bay Packers, sidelining him for the remainder of the year and leading to his release by the Vikings in 1991.[1][25] Over his six seasons with Minnesota, Millard appeared in 75 games, starting 64, and played a pivotal role in three playoff runs (1987, 1988, 1989), embodying the physical, scheme-driven style that defined the Vikings' defenses under Hollway and Peters.[1]NFL career with other teams
After being traded from the Minnesota Vikings to the Seattle Seahawks on April 25, 1992, in exchange for a second-round draft pick, Keith Millard joined a defensive unit under head coach Chuck Knox, who sought to bolster the line with the veteran tackle's experience.[26] Millard appeared in two games for Seattle that season, recording one sack while playing in a rotational role amid ongoing recovery from prior knee surgeries.[1] His limited contributions reflected the physical toll of cumulative injuries, including a torn ACL from 1990 that had already shortened his Vikings tenure, as he adjusted to the Seahawks' scheme during a 2-14 campaign.[27] Released by Seattle on September 16, 1992, after failing to secure a consistent starting spot, Millard signed as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers on October 1, providing depth to their rebuilding defense amid the historic Packers-Vikings rivalry.[28] He played in two games for Green Bay without recording a sack, forcing one fumble and recovering another in a reserve capacity, but a broken hand in October exacerbated his knee issues, leading to a brief retirement announcement on October 23 due to frustration with persistent pain and diminished mobility.[1][29] Millard returned for one final season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1993, signing to add veteran presence to their defensive line. He appeared in 14 games, starting six, and tallied four sacks while recovering one fumble, offering steady rotational support despite reduced athleticism from years of wear.[1] The stint highlighted his adaptability to yet another scheme, though nagging knee problems limited his explosiveness. Following the 1993 season, Millard retired at age 31, citing the cumulative impact of injuries as the decisive factor in ending his playing career after nine NFL seasons.[4]Career statistics and achievements
NFL statistics
Keith Millard amassed 58 sacks during his NFL career from 1985 to 1993, primarily as a defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings.[1] Official NFL statistics did not track tackles until the 1994 season, leaving comprehensive data on solo, assisted, and combined tackles unavailable for his era; however, his sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles were recorded. These metrics highlight his pass-rushing prowess, with a career total of two interceptions and three forced fumbles. The following table summarizes Millard's regular-season statistics by year:| Year | Team | Games (G/GS) | Sacks | Interceptions | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | MIN | 16/6 | 11.0 | 0 | 1 |
| 1986 | MIN | 15/15 | 10.5 | 1 | 0 |
| 1987 | MIN | 9/8 | 3.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 1988 | MIN | 15/15 | 8.0 | 0 | 1 |
| 1989 | MIN | 16/16 | 18.0 | 1 | 0 |
| 1990 | MIN | 4/4 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1992 | SEA | 2/0 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1992 | GNB | 2/0 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 |
| 1993 | PHI | 14/6 | 4.0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | - | 93/70 | 58.0 | 2 | 3 |
