Professional Career
Miller never played an entire game as quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1994–1996) and never took a snap with the Atlanta Falcons (1997). It was not until 1999, in his second year with the Chicago Bears, that Miller earned a starting job. That promising season was cut short for Miller when he became the first quarterback to be suspended by the NFL for violation of its substance abuse policy. Miller contended he did not read the label on an over-the-counter dietary supplement containing the steroid nandrolone, a banned substance under the NFL's drug policy. He was suspended for four games at the end of the 1999 season and lost about $100,000 in pay.
Upon his return, Miller became established as the starter for the Bears' brief playoff run in 2001, their first berth since 1994. With the second-best record in the NFC and tied for the second-best record in the NFL along with the Pittsburgh Steelers at 13-3, the Chicago Bears were awarded a first-round bye. This was due in large part to the Bears top ranked defense as well as the ball control offense Miller led. On January 19, 2002, the Chicago Bears met the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Playoffs with Jim Miller as quarterback. The game was fairly competitive until the final seconds of the first half when Eagles' defensive end Hugh Douglas delivered a hit to Miller that resulted in a separated shoulder. Shane Matthews replaced Miller, who only threw 3 completions on 5 pass attempts with an interception in what was to become his lone playoff appearance. Eventually the Chicago Bears lost to Philadelphia 33–19.
Miller lost his position as starting quarterback in 2002. Although he did not make a pass attempt since, he received a Super Bowl ring as the backup quarterback for the 2004 New England Patriots. Before the 2005 season, he signed with the New York Giants but was released after receiving an injury settlement. He has been a host for Sirius NFL Radio on Sirius Satellite Radio and Chicago Bears Postgame on Comcast Sports Net in Chicago. In addition, he serves as the color commentator for Michigan State University football radio broadcasts and hosts the weekly post-game call in show for MSU football.
Read more about this topic: Jim Miller (quarterback)
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