Fred Miller, a star defensive end for the Baltimore Colts of the late 1960s, died Sunday at 82.
Miller, who was drafted out of LSU in the 7th round by the Colts in the 1962 NFL draft, made the Pro Bowl as a defensive tackle three straight seasons from 1967-69.
“Rest in peace, FRED MILLER, #76, 10-year starting DT of the Baltimore Colts,” tweeted Colts owner Jim Irsay. “A three-time Pro Bowl selection.”
Miller was part of the Colts’ 1968 NFL title team which shutout four teams, including the Browns in a 34-0 win in the NFL championship game before losing to the Jets in Super Bowl III.
He was also in Baltimore’s 1970 championship squad that found redemption with a 16-13 win over the Cowboys in Super Bowl V, with Miller making five tackles against Dallas.
“What a bond we had as a team,” Miller told the Baltimore Sun in 2009. “We gave a damn about each other. No cliques. Our wives socialized. We babysat for each other. That didn’t happen on other clubs.”
Fred Miller (76) died at 82. AP
Fred Miller (76) was part of an iconic Colts team. Getty ImagesAfter 10 seasons with the Colts, Miller was traded to Washington but chose to retire instead.
“Fred never has a bad game, and he’ll never tell you he’s in pain,” the Baltimore Sun quoted head coach John Sandusky, who coached Miller in his 10th and final season, saying.
Fred Miller records a sack during Super Bowl V. Getty ImagesMiller’s wife of 54 years, Charlene, died in 2017. They had four sons: David, Daniel, Jacob and Luke.
