Braxton Miller's name is synonymous with greatness at Ohio State.
The former star won a boatload of games as starting quarterback for the Buckeyes under Urban Meyer in 2012 and 2013, winning the Silver Football as the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player both seasons. An injured shoulder cost him his 2014 season and forced a move to wide receiver for his senior year before he ultimately became one of 12 Buckeyes to hear be selected in the 2016 NFL Draft.
The Houston Texans drafted the electric athlete and Springfield, Ohio native in the third round of the draft (85th overall). He finished his rookie year on injured reserve after hurting his right shoulder in a 21-13 loss at Green Bay on Dec. 4. Miller caught 15 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown in his first NFL season.
The Texans won the AFC South and beat Oakland 27-14 in an AFC Wild Card game but bowed out in New England a week later, losing to the Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts 34-16.
While in Los Angeles ahead of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl where he and other rookie NFL players will sign their rookie trading cards that will be put into remaining 2016-17 Panini Football products, like its digital trading card app, Eleven Warriors briefly caught up with Miller to discuss an array of topics.
Below are the highlights from the 10-minute conversation we had with the Buckeye legend.
First off, how is life as an NFL player? Does it feel like your rookie season is already over?
Braxton Miller: Yeah, man. It took forever I feel like. Getting prepared, starting with the combine, pro day, rookie minicamp, OTAs, then camp. It's been a long season.
What would you say has been your biggest adjustment from being a college football star to an NFL player?
BM: I'd say the biggest part is just taking care of your body on a day-to-day basis. That's the most important.
How different are your daily activities and preparations now that you are a professional player?
BM: In college, I'd just go to practice, go out there and practice. Never really focused on taking care of my body. In the NFL that's the main focus. From entering the building to leaving the building. Absolutely after you leave too. That's an extra task. But it's good for you.
What is life like in Houston? How have you and your son, Landon, been able to adapt to being so far from Ohio? Heard it is hot down there.
BM: Yeah that was one of the main things [the heat]. He comes down ever so often. It's kind of tough during my rookie season to have him full-time down there with me.
But the time that he comes, we enjoy the best of them. It's a little different for him, getting on a plane, coming to see me, stuff like that.
Houston's decision to draft you meant you were reunited with a former teammate in defensive end/outside linebacker John Simon. How exciting has it been to play with Simon again?
BM: Yeah, being with him and [recently promoted to defensive coordinator] Mike Vrabel, it's just been a blessing to have those two guys from Ohio State and being involved in the same organization. We connected and that's good.
What did they do to help you with your jump to the NFL?
BM: One of the main adjustments John helped with is just gotta get the proper eating habits, rest, taking care of your body. That's the most important thing.
You re-injured your right shoulder in a game against Green Bay that ultimately ended your season. How is it feeling? Are you back to 100 percent?
BM: I've been cleared for a few weeks now so I've been good. Only thing I've been doing is resting up, getting my body back to where it needs to be.
“That's like a brotherhood thing. We all keep in touch, we all hang out.”– Braxton Miller on his fellow Buckeye NFL teammates
How difficult was it to have to watch your team play in the NFL playoffs from the sideline?
BM: That was tough but I couldn't really do nothing. Couldn't help the situation. It was definitely tough, but I was just picturing doing it next year when I am playing.
Ohio State unloaded one of the best NFL Draft classes ever last year. Do you stay in touch with your former teammates?
BM: Yeah, for sure. Definitely. That's like a brotherhood thing. We all keep in touch, we all hang out. Most of the guys go back to Ohio State and work out in the offseason. I'll see them then.
The Buckeyes look prime to send some more talent to the league in a few months. What kind of advice can you give them as they prepare for the next step in their careers?
BM: Just take care of the task at hand and make sure they're doing the right, proper things to prevent any freaky situation with their body like cramping-wise or strains. Stuff like that. Just stay in the training room and make sure you get the proper rest.
What are your thoughts on wide receiver Noah Brown? His decision to turn pro early stunned some, being that he only started for one season and is a redshirt sophomore. Were you surprised?
BM: Yeah, a little bit. It was pretty shocking. I don't know too much about him but it's a blessing that he was able to do that, though. And it was his decision.
Curtis Samuel thrived at H-back this season for Ohio State. He declared himself eligible for the draft as a wide receiver. How well do you think his skills translate to the NFL?
BM: It should be great. He's a hard worker and stuff like that. He can work out with the best of them.
Who is faster between the two of you?
BM: Me. [laughs] He probably wouldn't agree, though. Because we're both competitive. But I'd beat him.
Samuel behind a massive hole at H-back in Columbus. You played that position two seasons ago so know what it takes. What can you tell us about the potential of the players next in line like Demario McCall, K.J. Hill and others? Do you have an early favorite to win that job?
BM: Nah, I don't really know too much about them. I'm just gonna watch.
How much did being at Ohio State and having to be able to not only run but catch the ball in 2015 as an H-back allow you transition in the NFL?
BM: Oh, man. It's a very helpful thing. It shows how Ohio State gets your prepared for the NFL. It absolutely helped.
Do you stay in touch with Urban Meyer?
BM: Yeah, for sure. [We talk] Every chance we get.
Do you have any thoughts on Ohio State's 31-0 loss to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl?
BM: It's tough. Kind of tough trailing a team like that and trying to come back. They did what they could.
The loss caused Meyer to shake up his coaching staff. What have your former teammates told you about new offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Kevin Wilson?
BM: Haven't heard none of that, really.
J.T. Barrett is set to return for his senior year in 2017. That means Joe Burrow, Dwayne Haskins and Tate Martell are in line to compete to be his backup. What do you like about their games? Do you give an edge to anyone?
BM: I don't know too much about them but I'm sure they're top recruits and they'll be good. It's going to be good competition at the position.
And finally, what are you looking for from the 2017 NFL season?
BM: Just come back stronger and come back so I can contribute a lot on the offensive side. Grow from the first year, make a big jump from the second year.
