Sam Mills was an American professional football player and coach who played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for twelve seasons
He was born in Neptune City, New Jersey, and was a standout athlete in high school and college
Despite being overlooked in the NFL Draft, Mills signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 1981
He played several seasons with the Browns before moving to the United States Football League (USFL) where he excelled as a member of the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars
After the USFL folded, Mills returned to the NFL and played for the New Orleans Saints from 1986 to 1994
He was an integral part of the Saints' "Dome Patrol," one of the most formidable linebacker units in NFL history
Known for his exceptional work ethic and leadership skills, Mills was a five-time Pro Bowl player and was named an All-Pro three times
Following his retirement, Mills transitioned into coaching and served as an assistant coach for several NFL teams, most notably the Carolina Panthers
He played a crucial role in the team's early success, and his defensive unit was vital in leading the Panthers to their first Super Bowl appearance in the 2003 season
Off the field, Mills was widely respected for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the "Keep Pounding" campaign, which raises cancer awareness and support
Unfortunately, Mills was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2003, but he continued to inspire others with his relentless determination and positive attitude until his untimely death in 2005
Sam Mills left a lasting impact on the NFL as a player and a coach, and his legacy continues to be recognized and celebrated
He was posthumously inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame and the Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor, and his number 51 jersey was retired by both teams.
He played several seasons with the Browns before moving to the United States Football League (USFL) where he excelled as a member of the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars. After the USFL folded, Mills returned to the NFL and played for the New Orleans Saints from 1986 to 1994. He was an integral part of the Saints' "Dome Patrol," one of the most formidable linebacker units in NFL history. Known for his exceptional work ethic and leadership skills, Mills was a five-time Pro Bowl player and was named an All-Pro three times. Following his retirement, Mills transitioned into coaching and served as an assistant coach for several NFL teams, most notably the Carolina Panthers. He played a crucial role in the team's early success, and his defensive unit was vital in leading the Panthers to their first Super Bowl appearance in the 2003 season. Off the field, Mills was widely respected for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the "Keep Pounding" campaign, which raises cancer awareness and support. Unfortunately, Mills was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2003, but he continued to inspire others with his relentless determination and positive attitude until his untimely death in 2005. Sam Mills left a lasting impact on the NFL as a player and a coach, and his legacy continues to be recognized and celebrated. He was posthumously inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame and the Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor, and his number 51 jersey was retired by both teams.