Miller says he's hurt by social media comments about contract

Even before Von Miller declared Thursday there's no chance he'd play the 2016 season under the franchise tag, the reigning Super Bowl MVP was feeling burdened by the backlash to his ongoing contract negotiations with the Denver Broncos.

Miller is hoping to receive a contract that'd make him the highest-paid linebacker in football. The Broncos placed the franchise tag on Miller, and he refused to sign the tender. Both parties have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal. Otherwise, Miller will play under the stipulations of the tag.

Last week, the Broncos reportedly offered Miller a six-year, $114 million contract that he rejected. Miller said Monday that the negotiations - and the fan feedback - have been difficult for him.

"It just hurts, I'm not even going to lie. It's a business but at the end of the day, I got feelings, too," Miller told Greg Bishop of Sports Illustrated. "I know some fans don’t know that some of the reports aren't even true. When I get on Instagram, no matter what I post, there’s going to be 400 comments. Guys bashing me. 'Take the deal. You greedy bastard. I thought you wanted to be a Bronco for life?' And it kind of weighs on you after a while."

Miller said he wants the Broncos to treat him the way Texas A&M did during his recruitment, comparing his alma mater's attentions to a loyal girlfriend.

"You know you got that girlfriend that's really not like that attractive but she’s like really good for you, and she’s going to do everything she can to keep you?" Miller said. "Instead of that really, really hot chick that just talks to you on Mondays. It was like that, above and beyond. That's the same type of feeling I'm looking for from the Broncos."