Just when you think Anthony Miller has revealed exactly who he is, the young wide receiver finds a way to surprise you again. It’s a big reason why fans are boarding his hype train in staggering numbers. The second round pick out of Memphis has been the star of Chicago Bears training camp. Despite being a rookie, he’s been the offense’s most consistent wide receiver.
People are shocked by how developed he already is as a route runner, facing and beating the best corners on the Bears defense. Not just once in a while either. Consistently. Even though he’s a bit on the older side at 24, it feels like Millers shouldn’t be this far along. So what’s his secret? How did he get to be this good so fast?
The simple answer is hard work. Most young receivers don’t embrace the grind it takes to improve their game. Not until they’ve had a couple years in the NFL. Miller is a rare breed in that respect. He’s gotten to where he is by learning the position inside and out. A way he does that? Simple. He watches how previous great receivers did it.
People thought they knew the WRs Anthony Miller copies. They were wrong
By now most have heard the names connected to Miller. His body type and style of play have earned him wide-spread comparisons to Pittsburgh Steelers superstar Antonio Brown. Miller himself admitted he idolized former Carolina Panthers All-Pro Steve Smith growing up. However, when it came to breaking down the art of playing the receiver position, Miller told 670 The Score he has another go-to guy.
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“Well I’m pretty…a lot of people say I’m similar to Steve Smith, you know, AB [Antonio Brown]. Those type guys. You know I could either play physical or you know I could give you some feet. A guy I watch a lot is Chad Johnson actually. He has the best feet in my opinion of any receiver in history. His feet are just incredible. I go to his videos for a lot of moves actually.”
Most people these days remember Chad Johnson for his later years when he got a bit carried away by changing his last name to “Ochocinco.” It’s easy to forget how dominant the former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver was for a long time. He reached six Pro Bowls in his career and posted seven seasons over 1,000 yards. From 2003 to 2007 he had a case for being of the two or three best receivers in all of football.
So nobody should roll their eyes when Miller brings up the name. Bears fans especially. Johnson had a habit of humiliating Chicago every time he played them. His iconic Riverdance celebration came at Soldier Field during a blowout win for the Bengals, don’t forget. Miller is hoping to learn what made him great but has no plans to bring the outlandish personality with it.
Johnson himself seemed flattered when he heard about Miller’s comments. He even offered to attend Bears camp to teach him whatever he wants to know.
Tell that young boul i salute him & I’m here if he needs me, i can jump on a flight & be at Bears camp anytime 💯 https://t.co/zaJEXXAPvm
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) August 6, 2018
Don’t put it past the Bears rookie to not accept that offer. Either way, it’s apparent Miller is committed to being great and doesn’t have the patience of others. He wants to not just be in the league of Johnson and others. He’s dedicated to becoming the best that ever played. It’s becoming easier every day to see why Chicago gave up their second round pick next year to jump back up and grab hiim.
