Sam Mills was a legendary American football player and coach who left behind a legacy of courage and resilience after his death from intestinal cancer in 2005. He was a five-time Pro Bowl linebacker who played for the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers in the National Football League (NFL). He also won two championships in the United States Football League (USFL) with the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
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Early Life and Career
Sam Mills was born on June 3, 1959, in Neptune City, New Jersey. He grew up in Long Branch, New Jersey, where he excelled in football and wrestling at Long Branch High School. Despite his athletic achievements, he was overlooked by college scouts because of his height (5 ft 9 in). He attended Montclair State College (now Montclair State University) as a walk-on and became a star linebacker. He set school records for career tackles (501), tackles in a season (142), and tackles in a game (22). He was named the New Jersey Collegiate Writers Defensive Player of the Year for three consecutive seasons (1978-1980).
After graduating from college, Mills signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 1981, but he was cut before the season started. He then played for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 1982, but he was released after one game. He finally found success in the USFL, where he joined the Philadelphia Stars in 1983. He became a key member of the team’s defense, earning three All-USFL selections and two championships in 1984 and 1985. He also made the USFL All-Time Team.
NFL Stardom and Coaching Career
When the USFL folded in 1986, Mills signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent. He quickly established himself as one of the best linebackers in the NFL, leading the team in tackles for seven seasons and making four Pro Bowls (1987, 1988, 1991, and 1992). He was also part of the famed “Dome Patrol” linebacking corps that helped the Saints reach their first playoff appearance in franchise history in 1987.
In 1995, Mills joined the expansion Carolina Panthers as a free agent. He became a team leader and mentor for the young squad, helping them reach the NFC Championship Game in their second season. He made his fifth and final Pro Bowl in 1996, when he also earned his only first-team All-Pro selection. He retired from playing after the 1997 season, having recorded 1,265 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 11 interceptions, 22 forced fumbles, 23 fumble recoveries, and four defensive touchdowns in his NFL career.
Mills stayed with the Panthers as a defensive assistant and linebackers coach from 1998 to 2004. He was respected and admired by his players and colleagues for his knowledge, passion, and work ethic.
Cancer Diagnosis and Death
In August 2003, Mills was diagnosed with intestinal cancer. He was told he had only a few months to live, but he refused to give up. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments while continuing to coach. He inspired his team with his courage and determination, especially during their remarkable run to Super Bowl XXXVIII in the 2003 season. Before their playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys, he gave an emotional speech to his players, urging them to “keep pounding” no matter what challenges they faced. His words became a rallying cry for the Panthers and a motto for their organization.
Mills continued to coach throughout the 2004 season, but his condition worsened. He died at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 18, 2005, at the age of 45. He was survived by his wife Melanie and his son Sam III.
Legacy and Honors
Sam Mills is widely regarded as one of the greatest players and coaches in Panthers history. The team retired his jersey number 51 in 2005, making it the first number they ever retired. They also erected a statue of him outside their stadium and inducted him into their Hall of Honor in 2019. They created the “Keep Pounding” fund to support cancer research programs at local hospitals. They also have an honorary drummer bang a “Keep Pounding” drum before every home game to honor Mills’ spirit.
Mills is also remembered as one of the best players in Saints history. He was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1998 and their Ring of Honor in 2016. He is considered one of the best linebackers of his era and one of the most underrated players of all time.
Mills was posthumously elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022, becoming the first player who spent most of his career with the Panthers to receive the honor. He was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
Sam Mills cause of death was a tragic loss for the football world, but his legacy lives on through his family, his team, and his fans. He is remembered as a man who overcame adversity, achieved excellence, and inspired others with his courage and resilience. He truly embodied the motto “Keep Pounding”.
