Von Miller's Homecoming: Dallas Cowboys, Jersey Number 40, and a Chicken Farm Deal

There’s just something special about coming home, isn't there? For Von Miller, the celebrated edge rusher, that feeling is palpable as he officially rejoins his hometown Dallas Cowboys. It’s a move that has fans buzzing, not just about his presence on the field, but about a fascinating subplot involving a jersey number and, believe it or not, a chicken farm.

Miller, a veteran with a Super Bowl ring and a reputation for disrupting offenses, recently expressed a high degree of confidence – a solid "90 percent sure," he put it – that he'll be sporting his familiar No. 40 jersey when the Cowboys kick off their season against the New York Giants on September 13, 2026. This isn't just any number, mind you. Number 40 has been Miller's calling card since his high school days at DeSoto and through his college career at Texas A&M, where he majored in poultry science. He even wore it during his stints with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 and the Buffalo Bills from 2022-2024.

But there was a small hiccup: the No. 40 was already taken by young fullback Hunter Luepke, who the Cowboys signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and who inked a two-year extension in 2025. This is where Miller's entrepreneurial spirit, and perhaps a touch of his Texan charm, came into play. On his podcast, "Free Range with Von Miller," co-hosted by TJ Banks, Miller hinted at a rather unconventional negotiation. It seems Luepke, in exchange for relinquishing the coveted number, will receive a slice of Miller’s very own business venture: Greener Pastures Chicken.

Yes, you heard that right. Miller co-founded the chicken farm in Elgin, Texas, back in 2018. The exact ownership percentage Luepke will receive remains a secret, but it’s certainly one of the more unique jersey transactions we've heard of in the NFL! It's a fun, organic way for a seasoned veteran to connect with a younger player, especially given Miller's personal history and passion for poultry.

Beyond the jersey number, Miller also sounds quite optimistic about his availability for the season opener. "I'm 90 percent sure I'll be out there," he stated on his podcast. This confidence is a great sign for Cowboys fans, eager to see their new edge rusher in action. After all, Miller’s last season playing all regular-season games was way back in 2018. His brief tenure with the Washington Commanders last season saw him still making plays, like sacking J.J. McCarthy of the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Now, if you’ve followed Miller's career at all, you might recall this isn't the first time he's used that precise "90 percent sure" phrasing. Back in October 2023, while with the Bills, he famously said he was "90 percent sure" he'd play in a London game, a statement that drew some skepticism from fans at the time. This historical context adds a little extra flavor to his current declaration, reminding us that in the world of professional sports, anything can happen. But for now, the excitement is building for Miller's grand return to the star, wearing his beloved No. 40, and ready to make an impact.