The Buffalo Bills will begin the 2025 NFL season without one of their most prominent defensive leaders. Veteran linebacker Von Miller has been suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, a decision that has sparked wide-ranging discussion among fans, analysts, and league insiders.
The suspension stems from a domestic violence allegation filed against Miller in late 2023. The incident, which took place in Texas, involved Miller’s longtime partner and was initially categorized as an arrest for third-degree felony assault of a pregnant woman. At the time, Miller turned himself in to police but was released shortly thereafter. While formal charges were later dismissed, the NFL continued its own independent investigation, as per its longstanding disciplinary framework.
On Monday, the NFL announced the decision to suspend Miller for four games, citing a “violation of the Personal Conduct Policy related to off-field behavior” that the league deemed “inconsistent with its standards for player conduct.”
In a statement, the NFL said:
“After a comprehensive review of the facts, and interviews with multiple parties, the league has determined that Mr. Miller’s actions, regardless of criminal outcome, warrant disciplinary action under the Personal Conduct Policy.”
While the suspension does not carry criminal consequences, it is a significant professional setback for Miller, a two-time Super Bowl champion and eight-time Pro Bowler, who had been working toward a comeback after a quiet 2024 campaign.
Miller Responds to Suspension
Shortly after the NFL’s announcement, Miller released a statement through the Bills organization expressing regret for the incident while maintaining that he never intended to cause harm.
“I accept the league’s decision and take full responsibility for my actions and the impact they’ve had on those around me,” Miller said. “I’ve used this time to reflect, grow, and commit to being a better man both on and off the field.”
Miller also stated he will not appeal the suspension, meaning he will officially miss the Bills’ first four games of the 2025 season. He will be eligible to return in Week 5.
Impact on the Bills
Miller’s absence will be a blow to the Bills’ pass rush, which already faces questions following key offseason departures. Though the 35-year-old linebacker isn’t the dominant force he once was with the Denver Broncos or Los Angeles Rams, his experience, leadership, and situational pass-rushing ability remain valuable.
In 2024, Miller appeared in 12 games and recorded just 1.5 sacks, hampered by injury and age. However, Bills head coach Sean McDermott had spoken highly of Miller’s leadership presence and offseason conditioning prior to the suspension.
“We support Von as a person, and we respect the league’s decision,” McDermott said. “We’ll continue to work with the guys we have and be ready to compete Week 1.”
Buffalo is expected to lean more heavily on younger players such as Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, and newly signed edge rusher Leonard Floyd in Miller’s absence.
A Broader Conversation
The NFL’s decision reignites broader conversations about the league’s handling of off-field conduct issues—particularly when criminal charges are reduced or dismissed. Critics argue that players are often punished based on perception rather than legal outcomes, while others believe the league must hold its athletes to a higher standard regardless of courtroom verdicts.
In Miller’s case, the NFL cited its right to enforce its own disciplinary measures based on its internal investigation, a power it has exercised more frequently in recent years.
For now, Miller will focus on staying in shape and preparing to return in Week 5. The Bills, meanwhile, must adapt quickly to fill the leadership and on-field void left by a player whose career has been both decorated and, at times, turbulent.