Heath Miller

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Miller was born in Richlands, Virginia, and attended Honaker High School, where he played quarterback and earned the Associated Press Player of the Year honor as a senior. He set several school records in passing and led the team to its first state championship game his senior year, which they lost. In college at Virginia, he transitioned from quarterback to tight end during his redshirt freshman year. He set ACC records for most career receptions (144), yards (1,703), and touchdowns (20) by a tight end, and won the John Mackey Award in 2004. He skipped his senior season to enter the 2005 NFL draft. In his rookie season with the Steelers, he earned his first Super Bowl ring in Super Bowl XL.

In Their Own Story

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Miller in the first round (30th overall) of the 2005 NFL draft. He signed a five-year, $6.89 million contract with $4.54 million guaranteed. He was named the starting tight end to begin the regular season. In his rookie season, he caught his first career touchdown on a three-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger in a 34–7 victory over the Tennessee Titans. He finished his rookie season with 39 receptions for 459 yards and six touchdowns. The Steelers won Super Bowl XL, defeating the Seattle Seahawks 21–10, though Miller was held without a catch during the game. In 2006, he caught an 87-yard touchdown reception against the Miami Dolphins. In 2007, he set new career highs for touchdowns (7), receptions (47), and receiving yards (566). In 2008, he suffered an ankle injury on November 3 against the Washington Redskins.

Reader's Guide

Heath Miller played 11 seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2005 to 2015. He was a first-round draft pick in 2005 and started as a rookie. He won Super Bowl XL in his rookie season. The source does not provide details on his later seasons or other Super Bowl appearances beyond Super Bowl XL.

Did You Know?

• Miller originally signed with Virginia to play quarterback but transitioned to tight end during his redshirt freshman year.
• He threw one pass in his college career, connecting with fellow tight end Patrick Estes for a touchdown against South Carolina in 2002.
• Miller caught a touchdown pass in each of his first five games at Virginia, setting a school season record for tight ends.
• He won the John Mackey Award in 2004, becoming the first ACC player to do so.