In The Locker Room With Billy Miller
Oct 14, 2002 | Football
Oct. 14, 2002
by Lindsey Burket, Kansas State Sports Information student assistant
Ask a college student-athlete about the most memorable moment of their career, and many will talk about the time they saved the game, broke a record, or the time they made a play that made the newscast highlight reel.
Senior offensive lineman Billy Miller's moment can't be found on any highlight reel or read about in any record books. In fact, his most memorable moment didn't even take place on the playing field, but in a Kansas veteran's hospital.
The visit gave Miller a chance to meet many different war veterans, including one who had received the Congressional Medal of Honor, and helped Miller see a new perspective on life.
"It made me realize what life's real problems were," Miller said. "It was unbelievable to hear what those people went through during war time, especially during Vietnam."
Hearing stories of Vietnam had an extra special meaning for Miller, due to his father, Bill, being a part of the war at the young age of 21. Miller said his father and the rest of his family have been among his biggest motivations, as well as knowing they are proud of him and his accomplishments.
"My father told me I've lived up to all of his expectations," Miller said. "It's always a motivation when he tells me everything I've ever done is just great."
Miller's father said he enjoying coming to Manhattan and meeting Billy's teammates, and that he feels it's been very special for his son to be associated with K-State football."I couldn't have dreamed up a better kid," Bill Miller said.
Along with those words of praise, Miller has also offered his son some good advice.
"I always told him, no matter what happens to always stay down to earth," Miller said.Thus far it appears the younger Miller has never had any problem following his father's advice. He has kept his priorities in line and is always there for the people in his life, including his older brother Joshua, who has Down's Syndrome.
"Billy has always made sure Joshua is included," said Miller's father. "Even though he's always been busy with sports and school, he's always made time for him."
Miller has also taken time to visit Joshua at his special education school, and has even at one time thought about helping kids with Down's Syndrome for an occupation.
"Those kids are so nice," Miller said. "Everything about them is so positive and when you are around them, you just feel really good about yourself."
Besides being there for his family at home, Miller has formed close bonds with the his teammates at K-State. He says the friends he's made here has been the favorite part of his college experience, especially his friends within the offensive line group.
"We do pretty much everything together," Miller said. "We see movies together and in the summer we go swimming. We'd all just pretty much hang out together, rather than going down to the bars or something. These guys will do anything for me, and I will do anything for them."
Miller has done anything for his friends during his time at K-State, no matter what the situation. He said he has done everything from loaning his teammates money to baby sitting for former K-State teammate and current Atlanta Falcons player Jerry Togiai. Miller says the team's togetherness has made them somewhat of big family.
Being surrounded by the lineman and the rest of his K-State football family have made it easier for Miller who is living over 1,000 miles from his hometown of Harbor City, Calif., which is between Long Beach and Redondo Beach. Making the trip home is no small ordeal. But, when he does get the chance to visit, Miller often receives celebrity treatment.
"People always have me sign autographs," Miller said. "Sports isn't a really a big deal where I'm from. But when I go back, I'm kind treated a hero because they don't know anyone else who has played football on this level. It's really pretty cool."
Along with some autographs, Miller also has some good advice to offer to people back home or any other young person.
"Keep trying," Miller said. "You can do anything if you really want to. I'm the first person in my family to go to college, and it's a big thing for me just to get a degree, and that's what I'm aiming for right now."
And while walking across the graduation stage might not make K-State's highlight video, it will truly be a memorable moment in Miller's career.
