Broncos' Miller laments lack of creativity, inspiration in sports
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller had a summer for the ages, and is encouraging his fellow athletes to create a unique path for themselves.
The reigning Super Bowl MVP hosted "Saturday Night Live," appeared on "Dancing With The Stars," and attended Kanye West's album-release party among other events this summer.
After undergoing a summer that anyone would be envious of, Miller lamented the lack of creativity and inspiration in sports, implying his fellow competitors are following a script.
"Yes the games have evolved, some rules have changed, but things have become pretty much expected, almost cookie-cutter. It seems like we’ve seen it all before. But in truth, we haven’t even scratched the surface," Miller wrote in an essay posted by The Cauldron.
"Sports can bring us to tears, make us feel happy or sad. They can inspire us. But without creativity, sports are boring. Without creativity, sports just aren’t the same. Creativity of the mind, creativity of the soul, creativity of the body. It’s all connected and it all matters. By bringing creativity to sports, I can shape my own reality. With creativity in sports, we have fans saying, 'Did you just see that?!' when athletes make the highlight reels or trend on Twitter, it’s creativity that makes the difference."
Miller also spoke about how his diverse range of activities act as an impetus for his style of play on the field.
"What it comes down to is: I am not just No. 58, a stat line, or the guy with the glasses that was on Dancing with Stars. These are just small parts of my identity and do not come close to defining who I am as a person or telling my full story," Miller wrote.
"Creativity fuels my soul, and I express that in everything I do. From the jump-steps and speed rushes, to the swim and spin moves that I use to get past the tackle to sack the quarterback, to the jokes I tell to break the tension in the locker room, to how I farm my chickens, to how I dance on Snapchat, everything I do is done in my own unique style. I don’t want to be like anyone else. I only know my own way."