Fred Miller, a star defensive end for the Baltimore Colts during the late 1960s, passed away on Sunday at 82. Miller was selected in the 7th round of the 1962 NFL draft out of Louisiana State University and made the Pro Bowl as a defensive tackle for three consecutive seasons from 1967-69. Colts owner Jim Irsay paid tribute to Miller on Twitter, calling him a “10-year starting DT of the Baltimore Colts” and a “three-time Pro Bowl selection.”
Miller was a key part of the Colts’ 1968 NFL championship team, which recorded four shutouts, including a 34-0 win over the Browns in the NFL championship game. However, the team went on to lose to the Jets in Super Bowl III. Miller was also a member of the Colts’ 1970 championship squad, which redeemed itself with a 16-13 win over the Cowboys in Super Bowl V, with Miller making five tackles against Dallas.
Miller spoke about the bond the Colts had as a team, telling the Baltimore Sun in 2009, “We gave a damn about each other. No cliques. Our wives socialized. We babysat for each other. That didn’t happen on other clubs.” Miller spent ten seasons with the Colts before being traded to Washington, but he chose to retire instead.
Head coach John Sandusky, who coached Miller in his final season, spoke highly of him, saying, “Fred never has a bad game, and he’ll never tell you he’s in pain.” Miller’s wife of 54 years, Charlene, passed away in 2017, and the couple had four sons: David, Daniel, Jacob, and Luke.