It’s Miller Time in the CFL record book

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This article was published 21/08/2021 (1223 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TORONTO — Mike Miller, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers guru on special teams, made history Saturday.

With three special-team tackles in a 30-23 loss to the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field, Miller moved into first place all-time in the Canadian Football League, with 192. His third-quarter tackle, No. 191, was enough to surpass former B.C. Lions player Jason Arakgi, who set the record in 2016 before retiring.

“I don’t know if I ever really thought I’d actually break the number. When Jason broke it, he was an unreal player and, definitely, when I came into the league in 2011 he’s a guy I had a lot of respect for, someone who was really dedicated to his craft,” Miller said after the game.

“But I don’t know, really, if I ever thought I would break it. I knew going into this game that there was an opportunity, but special teams tackles are not the easiest thing to come by. I just thought if it happened it happened.”

Miller joined the Bombers in 2017 after signing as an undrafted free agent with Edmonton. He’s been in and around the league lead for special-teams tackles for much of his career and had a particularly stellar 2019 campaign. That year, he was named a West Division and CFLPA-voted all-star, and was named the West representative for most outstanding special teams player (he was runner-up to Hamilton’s Frankie Williams). That season he also tied the CFL record for the most special teams tackles in one game, with seven, in a July 5 game against Ottawa. He shares the mark with former Bomber Brendan Rogers.

“There are too many names to thank. But with all of those guys, you got to put in the time and I’m just thankful for all my teammates,” Miller added. “I’ve been fortunate to play with some really, really great players and some great special teamers.”

Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea said after the game how impressed he was with Miller and his dedication to the game. As humble as they come, O’Shea understands why Miller wouldn’t be tooting his own horn. So he did it for him.

“I imagine if you asked him right now, I know what he’s gonna say (or not say),” O’Shea said, alluding to Miller caring more about the loss. “But that shouldn’t diminish the fact that he’s been playing at such a high level in an extremely important facet of our beautiful Canadian game. He’s the best of all time. He’s not a prideful guy … But he should be happy about it.”

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

twitter: @jeffkhamilton