JACKSONVILLE – The moment was at hand, and he took time to savor it.
This was last Sunday, Ventrell Miller's first NFL start. It came for the Jaguars against the Houston Texans. And yes, Miller said, it was cool.
Really, really cool.
"I was just thinking to myself, 'Dang, starting in the NFL,''' he said. "That was a big goal, big dream of mine."
Miller, a second-year linebacker from the University of Florida, spoke to senior writer John Oehser for this week's 2024 Week 5 O-Zone Podcast. He discussed multiple topics, including the Jaguars' approach this week against the Indianapolis Colts.
"We're just keeping the right mindset coming out," Miller said. "It's going to be a grind. We always believe you play how you practice. We've just gone out there and stayed locked in."
Miller, a fourth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, started against the Texans in place of third-year veteran Devin Lloyd. He led the Jaguars in tackle that day, showing impressive speed and instincts – and impressing teammates, who spoke afterward of being inspired by his style and energy.
Those are traits Miller showed while at Florida, and traits he said come naturally.
"I'm just a competitor," Miller said. "Anytime it's a chance to go out there and compete I'm always coming out to try to bring my best."
Miller had to wait longer than he wanted for that opportunity. After dealing with injuries throughout his career at Florida – and after playing through a foot injury much of his final season there – he sustained an Achilles injury in 2023 Training Camp and missed his entire rookie season.
Now he's back healthy – and he said he's absolutely savoring that.
"I just say the joy of the Lord just kept the smile on my face," he said. "I knew I had the opportunity to get better and it could always be worse. I still tried to attack each day and get better wherever I could. I stayed in meetings and stayed locked in.
"I'm pleased with my progress. It was a grind. I know I have more work to do. I definitely will say I'm pleased with my offseason and how I worked. I know how much of a grind it was and just to see it pay off is what I'm happy about."
To listen to the entire O-Zone Podcast with Miller, click HERE.
