Von Miller's jersey number swap with Hunter Luepke involves chicken equity

FRISCO, Texas -- Future Hall of Fame edge rusher Von Miller is fulfilling a childhood dream by playing for his hometown Dallas Cowboys in his 16th NFL season in 2026. Central to this dream was his desire to wear No. 40, a number he sported during his high school days in DeSoto and at Texas A&M, as well as with the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills. However, the number was already claimed by fullback Hunter Luepke, who had worn it since joining the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent three seasons ago.

To resolve this, Miller and Luepke struck a deal that would see Luepke switch to No. 30, with Miller compensating him in a rather unconventional manner. Miller offered Luepke equity in his chicken farm company, Greener Pastures Chicken, to secure the coveted jersey number. "It was great. You got to give Hunter a great shoutout. He's learned from the best negotiators here with the Cowboys. It went down to the final hour, but we were able to get it done," Miller remarked after the agreement was finalized.

Miller's negotiation skills were put to the test, as this was his first direct negotiation, having previously relied on his agent, Joby Branion, for contract discussions. He humorously noted, "It has to be the first in National Football League history that a jersey swap has been done with ownership of a chicken farm." The deal not only secured Miller's desired number but also brought Luepke into the fold as a business partner, adding a unique twist to the typical player-to-player negotiations seen in the league.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who has been in the NFL for 27 seasons, expressed his surprise at the nature of the deal. He noted that while players have often exchanged cars or luxury items for jersey numbers, this was a first in his experience. Schottenheimer was relieved that the negotiation concluded positively, as unresolved issues could have created tension in the locker room. "Two teammates sitting down and talking it out. Both got new numbers," he said, emphasizing the importance of such agreements in maintaining team harmony.

Miller's role and impact in Dallas

Miller, who leads the NFL in active sacks with 138.5, has enjoyed a successful career, winning Super Bowl titles with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams. After a challenging season with the Washington Commanders, where he led the team in sacks despite a disappointing 5-12 record, returning to the Cowboys has reignited his passion for the game. "That smile has come back. There's something different about being here," he shared, reflecting on his excitement to play for the Cowboys.

As he embarks on this new chapter, questions remain about Miller's role and snap count at age 37. However, he is eager to contribute to the team's success, stating, "I just try to make everybody's job easy, whether it's coaches, players around me, whatever I can do to help contribute to wins, that's why I'm here. I'm still a sack daddy too, so I have my opportunity to just go out there and rush the quarterback as well."

Miller's ambitions extend beyond the field. He has expressed interest in a future role in NFL front offices, inspired by the general managers he has worked with in the past. "I want to be in the front office, in any capacity," he stated, highlighting his desire to remain involved in the sport long after his playing days are over. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Miller is focused on winning his third Super Bowl ring with the Cowboys, believing that the team's mindset is crucial for success. "I think we have what it takes," he concluded, embodying the optimism that he hopes will drive the Cowboys to greatness in 2026.