In a remarkable act of generosity and leadership, Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller has donated his entire $3.9 million signing bonus and recent endorsement earnings to a range of charitable organizations focused on homelessness prevention, youth development, and community rebuilding across the United States.Miller, already known for his dominance on the football field and active community presence off it, made the announcement early Monday morning via a heartfelt social media post and an emotional press conference at Empower Field at Mile High.
“Football has given me everything,” Miller said. “But real impact—lasting impact—is about what you do when the lights are off, when the cameras aren’t on. This is bigger than football. This is about people who feel invisible being seen.”
A Gift with Purpose
The full $3.9 million will be split across several key initiatives:
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$1.5 million to Denver Rescue Mission and other local organizations tackling homelessness in the Denver area.
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$1 million to launch a new “Vision for Hope” Foundation branch, focused on transitional housing for families and veterans.
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$800,000 to be distributed among youth sports programs, literacy efforts, and STEM education initiatives in under-resourced communities.
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$600,000 set aside for emergency assistance programs in cities Miller has lived or played in, including Los Angeles and College Station, Texas.
“This isn’t just a donation. It’s an investment,” said Sheila Harper, director of Denver’s Housing First Collaborative. “Von is putting real money behind real solutions, and he’s showing the city what leadership looks like.”
From Super Bowl MVP to Super Humanitarian
Von Miller has long been active in community outreach. His charity, Von’s Vision, has provided free eye exams and glasses to thousands of students since 2012. But this latest gesture marks the largest personal financial donation of his career—and possibly the largest from any NFL player in a single transaction.
The former Super Bowl MVP, who recently rejoined the Broncos in a veteran leadership role, said the inspiration for the donation came after a series of quiet visits to homeless shelters in Denver during the offseason.
“I saw kids who didn’t have pillows. I met veterans who hadn’t had a hot meal in days. I felt ashamed that we celebrate so much wealth in sports while so many are just trying to survive,” he said.
Miller added that this move wasn’t about “getting headlines,” but about “leading with heart.”
Praise from Across the NFL
As news of Miller’s donation spread, praise poured in from teammates, coaches, celebrities, and fellow athletes.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton called it “one of the most selfless and impactful gestures I’ve seen in my entire career.”
Quarterback Russell Wilson posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Von is the real deal. Leader, champion, brother. Proud to call him my teammate and friend.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also issued a statement, saying:
“Von Miller’s extraordinary donation exemplifies the kind of leadership and community commitment we hope to see in every player. His actions will change lives—and inspire others across the league.”
More Than Just a One-Time Gift
Miller also announced that he is working on a long-term partnership with local governments and private-sector partners to develop affordable housing units in the Denver metro area. He plans to serve as an ambassador for new housing projects and lend his name, voice, and resources to national campaigns focused on homelessness awareness.
Additionally, he is launching a mentorship program that will pair current NFL players with local high school students facing housing insecurity. “Sometimes, just knowing someone believes in you can be enough to keep you going,” Miller said.
The Community Reacts
In downtown Denver, where several of the benefiting organizations are based, reactions were swift and emotional.
“I cried,” said Maria Lopez, a single mother of two living in transitional housing. “We’ve felt forgotten for so long. And now Von Miller—a football star—is helping people like us. That means more than he probably knows.”
Local high school football coach Jamal Harris added: “When you talk to your kids about role models, this is the kind of story that matters. Not just sacks and trophies—but real sacrifice and real care.”
A New Standard for Giving Back
As NFL players continue to use their platforms for more than just sports, Von Miller’s donation sets a powerful new precedent—not only in the scale of his generosity, but in the sincerity behind it.
He closed his press conference by quoting his late grandfather: “If you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence.”
And that’s exactly what he’s doing.