View source for Heath Miller

{{Short description|American football player (born 1982)}} 
{{other people|Heath Miller}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name        = Heath Miller
| image       = Heath Miller in 2012.jpg
| image_size  =
| alt         = 
| caption     = Miller with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012
| number      = 83
| position    = [[Tight end]]
| birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1982|10|22}}
| birth_place = [[Richlands, Virginia]], U.S.
| death_date  = 
| death_place = 
| height_ft   = 6
| height_in   = 5
| weight_lbs  = 256
| high_school = [[Honaker High School|Honaker]] {{nowrap|([[Honaker, Virginia]])}}
| college     = [[Virginia Cavaliers football|Virginia]] (2001–2004)
| draftyear   = 2005
| draftround  = 1
| draftpick   = 30
| pastteams   =
* [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] ({{NFL Year|2005}}–{{NFL Year|2015}})
| highlights  =
* 2× [[List of Super Bowl champions|Super Bowl champion]] ([[Super Bowl XL|XL]], [[Super Bowl XLIII|XLIII]])
* 2× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2010 Pro Bowl|2009]], [[2013 Pro Bowl|2012]])
* [[PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2005|2005]])
* [[Pittsburgh Steelers#Hall of Honor|Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor]]
* [[John Mackey Award]] (2004)
* [[Unanimous All-American]] ([[2004 College Football All-America Team|2004]])
* First-team [[Underclass All-American|Freshman All-American]] (2002)
* 2× First-team [[List of All-Atlantic Coast Conference football teams|All-ACC]] ([[2003 All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team|2003]], [[2004 All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team|2004]])
* Second-team All-ACC ([[2002 All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team|2002]])
* [[Virginia Cavaliers football#Retired jerseys|Virginia Cavaliers Jersey No. 89]] retired
| statlabel1  = [[Reception (American football)|Receptions]]
| statvalue1  = 592
| statlabel2  = [[Receiving yards]]
| statvalue2  = 6,569
| statlabel3  = [[Touchdown|Receiving touchdowns]]
| statvalue3  = 45
| pfr         = M/MillHe00 
}}
'''Earl Heath Miller Jr.''' (born October 22, 1982) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[tight end]] for the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL) for 11 seasons from 2005 to 2015. Miller played [[college football]] for the [[Virginia Cavaliers football|Virginia Cavaliers]], earning [[unanimous All-American]] honors and winning the [[John Mackey Award]]. The Steelers selected him in the first round with the 30th overall pick of the [[2005 NFL draft]].

==Early life==
Miller was born on October 22, 1982<ref>{{Cite web |title=Heath Miller |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2326598/ |access-date=29 January 2025 |website=IMDB}}</ref> in [[Richlands, Virginia]].  He attended [[Honaker High School]] and lived in [[Swords Creek, Virginia]].<ref name="wapost_2004">{{Cite news |last=Reedy |first=Jim |date=October 15, 2004 |title=Southwestern Va. Follows Miller's Rising Star |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A33822-2004Oct14.html |access-date=September 26, 2011}}</ref>  He played quarterback for the Honaker Tigers [[high school football]] team, where he earned the [[Associated Press]] Player of the Year honor as a senior and was a two-time AP All-State selection. He also earned the All-Southwest Virginia first-team honors at quarterback and was a second-team all-state selection at defensive back, adding Region D Offensive Player of the Year accolades.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers: Heath Miller |url=http://www.steelers.com/team/roster/Heath-Miller/ada7ab1b-9acd-421a-bed0-79ccc4542630 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508115643/http://www.steelers.com/team/roster/heath-miller/ada7ab1b-9acd-421a-bed0-79ccc4542630 |archive-date=May 8, 2018 |access-date=December 25, 2017 |website=Steelers.com}}</ref> He set several school records in passing and leading the team to its first state championship game his senior year, in which they lost to King William High School, 25–15.<ref name="wapost_2004" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=VHSL-REFERENCE – Virginia High School Football Scoreboard |url=http://www.vhsl-reference.com/scoreboard.cfm?gw=15&gy=2000 |access-date=December 25, 2017 |website=www.VHSL-Reference.com}}</ref>

While attending high school, Miller also played first base for the baseball team where he earned the Black Diamond District first-team honors, and was an All-Region and All-State selection. He was also a forward on the basketball team where he earned the All-District and All-Region honors.<ref name="autogenerated1" />

==College career==

===Freshman season===
Miller attended the [[University of Virginia]], where he played for coach [[Al Groh]]'s [[Virginia Cavaliers football]] team from 2001 to 2004. Originally signed to play quarterback, Miller made the transition to the tight end position during his redshirt freshman year.

After sitting out in 2001, he started every game in 2002 at tight end. In his first game against [[Colorado State Rams football|Colorado State]], he had 4 receptions, 42 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown. He scored touchdowns in each of his first five games at Virginia, setting a school season record for tight ends and led [[Atlantic Coast Conference]] (ACC) tight ends in receiving all three seasons of his college career.

It took him seven games to set the school record for touchdowns by a tight end. He also threw one pass during his college career, connecting with fellow tight end [[Patrick Estes]] for a touchdown against [[South Carolina Gamecocks football|South Carolina]] in 2002. He also caught a touchdown pass in the same game. In a win against [[Wake Forest Demon Deacons football|Wake Forest]] he was held to three catches, two of them going for touchdowns. His five-game streak ended when he was held without a catch against [[Duke Blue Devils football|Duke]]. Against [[Clemson Tigers football|Clemson]], he caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from [[Matt Schaub]] in a 22–17 win. Against [[North Carolina Tar Heels football|North Carolina]], he had a season-long 42-yard reception. The following week, Miller had a season-high, 6 catches for 50 yards against [[Penn State Nittany Lions football|Penn State]]. Against [[Virginia Tech Hokies football|Virginia Tech]], Miller recorded a 15-yard touchdown reception. In the [[2002 Continental Tire Bowl]] win against the [[West Virginia Mountaineers football|West Virginia]], he had a season-high 54 receiving yards on 3 catches. He ended the 2002 season with 33 receptions, 327 receiving yards, 9 touchdown catches, and 1 touchdown pass, leading all ACC tight ends in touchdowns and receptions. His nine touchdown catches were an ACC record for tight ends. He was voted second-team All-ACC and first-team Freshman All-American First by [[The Sporting News]].<ref name="m.virginiasports.com">{{Cite web |title=Virginia Cavaliers Football Player Bio:Heath Miller |url=http://m.virginiasports.com/m/sports/m-footbl/mtt/heath_miller_71442.html |website=Virginia Cavaliers Athletics}}</ref>

===Sophomore season===
Miller opened the 2003 season with 5 receptions, 54 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown against [[Duke Blue Devils football|Duke]]. He followed the performance with 3 catches for 51 yards against [[Western Michigan Broncos football|Western Michigan]] and 3 catches for 17 yards against South Carolina. In a comeback win against Wake Forest, he led the team in catches for the fourth consecutive game with 7 receptions, 94 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown. He caught a 15-yard pass in the closing minute to set up the game-winning field goal. After a 4-catch, 44-yard performance against North Carolina, he posted 8 receptions, 52 yards, and 1 touchdown in an overtime loss to [[Clemson Tigers football|Clemson]]. Following the loss, Miller went to see the film Finding Nemo at The Jefferson Theater.  Heath loved the film, describing the title character as "a real American Hero." Miller had 9 receptions, for 77-yards, and a touchdown against the #7-ranked [[Florida State Seminoles football|Florida State]]. Against [[Georgia Tech Yellowjackets football|Georgia Tech]], he caught 6 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. He won the ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week Award for this performance. A week later, he had a career game against in-state rivals Virginia Tech with 13 catches for 145 yards, earning a second consecutive ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week Award. He scored the first touchdown in [[2003 Continental Tire Bowl]] against the [[Pittsburgh Panthers football|Pittsburgh]], a 52-yard pass from Matt Schaub. He finished the 2002 season with an ACC record of 70 receptions and 835 receiving yards. He was voted second-team All-American by [[College Football News]] and first-team All-ACC.<ref name="m.virginiasports.com" />

===Junior season===
Miller was voted team captain before his junior season. Miller caught 3 passes for 45 yards and a touchdown against [[Temple Owls football|Temple]], extending his streak of consecutive games with at least one catch to 22.{{citation needed|date=June 2015}} The streak ended the following week, when he was held without a catch against North Carolina. The following week, he made 6 receptions for 54 yards and 2 touchdowns against [[Akron Zips football|Akron]]. Against [[Syracuse Orange football|Syracuse]], he caught a 54-yard pass for his only reception in the game. Miller had 4 catches for 55 yards and a score in a Thursday night win against Clemson. The following game, Miller had season highs of 9 catches and 110 yards in a loss against Florida State. Miller played his final college game against [[Fresno State Bulldogs football|Fresno State]] in the 2004 MPC Computer Bowl. He led the team with 5 catches and 66 receiving yards. Miller was named unanimous first-team All-American for the 2004 season and was voted first-team All-ACC. He also became the first ACC player to win the [[John Mackey Award]] given to the top college tight end.<ref name="m.virginiasports.com" />

Miller ended his college career with ACC records for most career receptions (144), yards (1,703) and touchdowns (20) by a tight end.  Miller finished second in receptions, seventh in yards, and fourth in touchdown receptions for all positions.  He also shares the school record for most 100-yard games by a tight end (3), and he caught at least one pass in 32 of his final 33 games. Miller skipped his senior season to enter the [[2005 NFL draft]], becoming the fifth player in school history to enter the draft early.<ref name="m.virginiasports.com" />

==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
|    height ft = 6
|    height in = 5
|       weight = 256
|         dash =
|    ten split =
| twenty split =
|      shuttle =
|   cone drill =
|     vertical =
|     broad ft =
|     broad in =
|        bench =
|     arm span =
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|    wonderlic =
|         note = All values from [[NFL Combine]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=11638&DraftYear=2005 |title=Heath Miller, Virginia, TE, 2005 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |website=draftscout.com |access-date=December 15, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/8444/heath-miller |title=Heath Miller 2005 NFL Draft Profile |website=[[ESPN]] |access-date=December 15, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=29605 |title=Heath Miller, Combine Results, TE – Virginia |website=nflcombineresults.com |access-date=December 15, 2021}}</ref>
}}

===2005: Rookie season and first Super Bowl===
The [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] selected Miller in the first round (30th overall) of the [[2005 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/draft.htm |access-date=May 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He was the third tight end drafted by Pittsburgh in the first round in 15 years.<ref>Robinson, Alan. "Steelers Draft Virginia Tight End Heath Miller." The Associated Press [Pittsburgh] April 23, 2005: n. pag. Web. October 3, 2012.</ref> On July 26, 2005, the Steelers signed Miller to a five-year, $6.89 million contract with $4.54 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $3.94 million.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Report: Steelers sign first round pick TE Miller |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=Steelersmiller |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220015910/http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=steelersmiller |archive-date=February 20, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |website=sports.yahoo.com}}</ref><ref name="sport">{{Cite web |title=Sportrac.com: Heath Miller contracts |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/heath-miller-3585/ |access-date=January 18, 2017 |website=sportrac.com}}</ref>

He entered training camp competing with veterans [[Jerame Tuman]] and [[Matt Kranchick]] for the starting tight end position. Miller was named the starting tight end to begin the regular season. He made his professional regular season debut in the [[2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers']] season-opener against the [[2005 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]] and caught his first career touchdown on a three-yard pass from [[Ben Roethlisberger]] in a 34–7 victory. On October 23, 2005, Miller caught a season-high six passes for 58 receiving yards and a touchdown during a 27–13 victory over the [[2005 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]]. The next game, he made three receptions for 18-yards and a season-high two touchdowns in a 20–19 win against the [[2005 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]]. During a Week 17 matchup with the [[2005 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]], he caught three passes for a season-high 62 receiving yards in a 35–21 victory.<ref name="NFL">{{Cite web |title=NFL Player Profile: Heath Miller |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/heathmiller/2506369/profile |access-date=January 18, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

He finished his rookie season with 39 receptions for 459 yards and six touchdowns.and was named the Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie of the year. The Steelers finished second in the [[AFC North]] with an 11–5 record. On January 8, 2006, he appeared in his first career postseason game and caught two passes for 15-yards in a 31–17 AFC Wildcard victory over the [[2005 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]]. The following game, Miller caught three passes for 61 yards and one touchdown in the Steelers' 21–18 upset over the top-seeded [[2005 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] in the divisional playoff round. After defeating the [[2005 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]], the Steelers went on to play in [[Super Bowl XL]]. On February 5, 2006, they defeated the [[2005 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], 21–10, and Miller earned his first [[Super Bowl]] ring. He was held without a catch during the game.

===2006 season===
[[File:Heath Miller in 2006.jpg|thumb|Miller in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2006]]
He remained as the starter to begin the regular season, beating out Tuman and  [[Tim Euhus]]. Miller started the season-opener against the [[2006 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]] and caught three passes for 101 receiving yards and scored an 87-yard touchdown reception in a 28–17 victory.  Replays showed that he should have been marked out of bounds at about the one-yard line, but the play was not challenged by the Dolphins quickly enough.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2006 |title=Fresh Batch: QB sparks Steelers past Dolphins in opener |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=260907023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313042932/http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=260907023 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 13, 2017 |access-date=March 12, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> During a Week 7 matchup against the [[2006 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]], he made a season-high five receptions for 34-yards in a 31–20 loss. Miller finished the season with 34 catches for 393 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games and 16 starts.<ref name="NFL" />

===2007 season===
He was named the starting tight end by [[Mike Tomlin]] after beating out [[Jerame Tuman]], [[Matt Spaeth]], and [[Jonathan Dekker]].

Miller started the season opener against the [[2007 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]] and caught four passes for 35 receiving yards and a touchdown, as the Steelers routed the Browns 34–7. On October 21, 2007, he made a season-high five receptions for 50-yards and two touchdowns in a 31–28 loss to the [[2007 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]]. In a Week 10 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, Miller caught five passes for a season-high 71 receiving yards and a touchdown in a 31–28 victory. In 2007, Miller set new career highs for touchdowns (7), receptions (47), and receiving yards (566) and played in all 16 games.<ref name="NFL" />

The [[2007 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] finished first in the AFC North with a 10–6 record in their first year under Mike Tomlin. On January 5, 2008, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced the [[2007 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]] in the AFC Wildcard game and Miller caught eight passes for 85-yards and scored on a 14-yard touchdown reception in a 31–29 loss.

===2008: Second Super Bowl season===
Miller began the season making three receptions for 26 yards in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 38–17 season-opening victory over the [[2008 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]]. On October 5, 2008, he made five receptions for 45 receiving yards and caught his first touchdown of the season on a one-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger, in a 26–22 win over the [[2008 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]]. On November 3, 2008, Miller suffered an ankle injury as the Steelers routed the [[2008 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]], 23–6. He missed the next two games due to the injury.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Huddle.com: Week 11-2008 Injury report |url=http://thehuddle.com/x8/season/w11/inj-track.php |access-date=January 20, 2017 |website=TheHuddle.com}}</ref> During a Week 16 matchup against the [[2008 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]], Miller caught a season-high eight passes for 86 receiving yards in a 31–14 loss.<ref name="NFL" /> He finished the 2008 season with a total of 48 receptions for 514 receiving yards and was limited to three touchdowns in 14 games and 14 starts.

The [[2008 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] finished first in the AFC North with a 12–4 record. On January 11, 2009, the Steelers played the [[2008 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]] in an AFC Divisional round matchup and Miller finished the 35–24 victory with three receptions for 37&nbsp;yards and scored on an 8-yard touchdown reception. In the [[AFC Championship Game]] against the [[2008 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]], he caught three passes for 62 receiving yards in a 28–14 victory. On February 1, 2009, the Pittsburgh Steelers appeared in [[Super Bowl XLIII]] against the [[2008 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]], Miller had five receptions for 57-yards in a 27–23 last second victory and earned his second career Super Bowl ring.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL News, Scores, Schedule & Standings – Pro Football |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2008-07-17/ranking-top-20-nfl-tight-ends |access-date=December 25, 2017 |website=Sporting News}}</ref>

===2009 season===
On July 30, 2009, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Miller to a six-year, $35.3 million extension with a $12.5 million signing bonus.<ref>[http://news.steelers.com/article/106462/ Miller signs six-year contract] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802073300/http://news.steelers.com/article/106462/ |date=August 2, 2009 }}</ref>

He started the season-opener against the [[2009 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]] and caught a season-high eight passes for 64&nbsp;yards in a 13–10 victory. On October 4, 2009, Miller had eight receptions for 70 receiving yards and a season-high two touchdown during a 38–28 win over the [[2009 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]]. His first touchdown reception of the season was a six-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger. In Week 6, he caught five passes for 80 receiving yards and caught an eight-yard touchdown reception, as the Steelers defeated the [[2009 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]] 27–14. On December 20, 2009, Miller had seven receptions for a season-high 118 receiving yards in a 37–36 victory over the [[2009 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]].<ref name="NFL" /> He finished with 76 receptions for 789 yards and six touchdowns and started all 16 games. Miller was selected to his first [[Pro Bowl]] on January 25, 2009, replacing the [[2009 Indianapolis Colts season|Colts]]' tight end [[Dallas Clark]] who participated in the [[Super Bowl XLIV]].

===2010 season: Third Super Bowl appearance===
He began the regular season being named the [[2010 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] captain for the offense. On October 17, 2010, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the [[2010 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]] 28–10 and Miller caught two passes for 50 receiving yards and scored his first touchdown of the season on a 14-yard pass from [[Ben Roethlisberger]]. During a Week 10 matchup against the [[2010 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]], Miller caught five passes for 60-yards in a 39–26 loss. In a Week 13 matchup with the [[2010 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]], he suffered a concussion that sidelined him for the next two games.<ref name="s668">{{cite web | last=Rosenthal | first=Gregg | title=Heath Miller, Flozell Adams knocked out for Steelers | website=NBC Sports | date=2010-12-05 | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/heath-miller-flozell-adams-knocked-out-for-steelers | access-date=2025-02-25}}</ref> On December 23, 2010, he caught five passes for a season-high 73&nbsp;yards, as the Steelers routed the [[2010 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]], 27–3. Miller finished the regular season with 42 receptions, 512 receiving yards, and two touchdowns in 14 starts.<ref name="NFL" />

The Steelers finished the 2010 season with a 12–4 record and first in the AFC North. On January 15, 2011, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced the [[2010 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]] in the AFC Divisional round after having a bye during the wildcard. Miller led the Steelers with five catches for 39&nbsp;yards and caught a nine-yard touchdown reception in the 31–24 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Game Center: Week 19-2010: Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers |url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011011500/2010/POST19/ravens@steelers |access-date=January 20, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>
During the AFC Championship victory over the  [[2010 New York Jets season|New York Jets]], he caught two passes for 38 yards. On February 6, 2011, the Pittsburgh Steelers appeared in [[Super Bowl XLV|Super Bowl]] against the [[2010 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]], with Miller catching two passes for 12&nbsp;yards during the 31–25 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XLV – Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers – February 6th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201102060pit.htm |access-date=December 15, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

===2011 season===
On October 9, 2011, he caught a season-high three passes for 46&nbsp;yards and caught his first touchdown of the season on an eight-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger, as the Steelers defeated the [[2011 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]], 38–17. During a Week 7 matchup against the [[2011 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]], Miller made four receptions for 59&nbsp;yards and a touchdown, while also having his first career carry for a six-yard gain in a 38–20 victory. On December 19, 2011, the Pittsburgh Steelers played the [[2011 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] and Miller finished the 20–3 loss with five receptions for a season-high 82 receiving yards. Miller became the Steelers' all-time leader in career receptions for a tight end, passing [[Elbie Nickel]] and moved into the top 5 on the Steelers' all-time receptions list. He finished the regular season with 51 receptions, 651 receiving yards, and two touchdowns while starting all 16 games.<ref name="NFL" />

===2012 season===
New offensive coordinator [[Todd Haley]] named him the starting tight end to begin the regular season, over [[Jamie McCoy]], [[Leonard Pope]], and [[David Paulson]].

He started the season-opener against the [[2012 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] and made four catches for 50 receiving yards and a touchdown during the 31–19 loss. On September 23, 2012, Miller caught a season-high eight passes for 60&nbsp;yards and tied his career-high with two touchdown receptions in a 34–31 loss to the [[2012 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]. On October 11, 2012, in a loss against the Tennessee Titans, Miller had 6 receptions for 67&nbsp;yards moving him past [[Louis Lipps]] for third place on the Steelers' all-time receptions list. During a Week 13 matchup against the [[2012 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]], he caught five passes for a season-high 97 receiving yards and a touchdown in the 23–20 victory. On December 23, 2011, Miller suffered a torn [[Medial collateral ligament|MCL]] and [[Anterior cruciate ligament injury|ACL]] during a 13–10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He was placed on injured-reserve for the remainder of the season and was also selected to the Pro Bowl.<ref name="injury">{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=August 18, 2013 |title=Injury roundup: Heath Miller might miss first month - NFL.com |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/injury-roundup-heath-miller-might-miss-first-month-0ap1000000231478 |access-date=December 25, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> After the season, Miller was voted team MVP by his teammates. He finished the season with 71 receptions for 816 yards and 8 touchdowns, career highs for receiving yards and touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Heath Miller 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillHe00/gamelog/2012/ |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

===2013 season===
[[File:Heath Miller 83 stance 2013.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Miller lined up at wideout in 2013]]
After suffering a torn MCL and ACL, Miller underwent reconstructive surgery to repair three torn ligaments and a rehab program to regain his form. Prior to the beginning of the regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers removed Miller from the Physically Unable to Perform list in hopes of him returning within a month. With [[Matt Spaeth]] also recovering from a [[lisfranc injury|lisfranc]] surgery, the Steelers began the season with [[David Paulson]] and [[Jamie McCoy]].<ref name="injury" />

On September 11, 2013, the Pittsburgh Steelers restructured his base salary for 2013 from $5.61 million to $2.61 million.<ref name="sport" />

He made his season-debut in a Week 3 matchup against the [[2013 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]], making three receptions for 35 yards in 40–23 loss. On October 20, 2013, Miller made two receptions for 17 yards and caught an 8-yard pass from [[Ben Roethlisberger]] for his only touchdown of the season during a 19–16 win over the [[2013 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Game Center: Week 7-2013: Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers |url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2013102011/2013/REG7/ravens@steelers |access-date=January 21, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> During a Week 13 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, he caught a season-high eight passes for a season-high 86 yards in 22–20 loss. He finished the season with 58 receptions for 593 receiving yards and a touchdown in 14 games.<<ref>{{Cite web |title=Heath Miller 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillHe00/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

===2014 season===
On March 5, 2014, the Pittsburgh Steelers restructured Miller's contract to reduce the cost of his contract towards their salary cap. He was scheduled to cost the Steelers $9.2 million towards the cap but it was reduced to $6.5 million, with Miller earning $1.02 million in 2014. The Steelers also agreed to pay Miller $4.5 million for the remaining two years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Katzowitz |first=Josh |date=March 5, 2014 |title=Report: Steelers revamp Heath Miller's contract |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/report-steelers-revamp-heath-millers-contract/ |access-date=January 21, 2017 |website=cbssports.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers Make Roster Moves to Free Salary Cap Space |url=http://www.steelers101.com/2014/03/05/pittsburgh-steelers-make-roster-moves-to-free-salary-cap-space/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 5, 2014 |title=Steelers sign Polamalu, Miller to extensions |work=USAToday.com |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/03/05/steelers-sign-polamalu-miller-to-extensions/6084051/ |access-date=June 16, 2014}}</ref> On September 28, 2014, Miller caught a season-high ten passes for 85 receiving yards and scored on an eight-yard touchdown reception, marking his first touchdown of the season, during a 27–24 loss to the [[2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]. During Week 8, he made seven receptions for a season-high 112 yards and caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger, as the Steelers routed the [[2014 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]], 51–34.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers - October 26th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410260pit.htm |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He also caught his 500th career reception during the game.<ref name="b631">{{cite web | title=Steelers' Heath Miller Records 500th Career Reception | website=Bleacher Report | date=2014-10-27 | url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2234757-steelers-heath-miller-records-500th-career-reception | access-date=2024-12-25}}</ref> He finished the 2014 season with 66 receptions for 761 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 16 starts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Heath Miller 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillHe00/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The [[2014 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] finished the season first in the AFC North with an 11–5 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Pittsburgh Steelers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/2014.htm |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On January 3, 2015, Miller caught six passes for 76 yards in a 30–17 AFC Wildcard loss to the [[2014 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers - January 3rd, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201501030pit.htm |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

===2015: Final season===
He started the season-opener against the [[2015 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] and caught eight passes for 84-yards in a 28–21 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots - September 10th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509100nwe.htm |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On November 1, 2015, Miller caught ten passes for a season-high 105 receiving yards in a 16–10 loss to the [[2015 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers - November 1st, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511010pit.htm |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On November 15, 2015, Miller was named the backup quarterback against the [[2015 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]] after the starting quarterback [[Landry Jones]] sprained his ankle.<ref name="a946">{{cite web | last=Williams | first=Cody | title=Heath Miller is Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback vs. Browns | website=FanSided | date=2015-11-15 | url=https://fansided.com/2015/11/15/heath-miller-is-pittsburgh-steelers-backup-quarterback-vs-browns/ | access-date=2024-12-25}}</ref> Although Roethlisberger was still injured, he came in to finish the game with Miller as the emergency backup quarterback.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Steelers' backup QB is comically sad as hurt Roethlisberger plays |url=https://nypost.com/2015/11/15/hurt-roethlisberger-forced-in-steelers-backup-qb-is-comically-sad/ |access-date=December 25, 2017 |website=NYPost.com}}</ref> In Week 12, Miller suffered a rib injury during the second quarter of a 39–30 loss to the [[2015 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]]. He missed the next game with the injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeArdo |first=Bryan |date=December 8, 2015 |title=Injury report: Heath Miller has a chance to play vs. Bengals |url=http://pit.247sports.com/Bolt/INJURY-REPORT-Heath-Miller-has-a-chance-to-play-vs-Bengals-41858058 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212062221/http://pit.247sports.com/Bolt/INJURY-REPORT-Heath-Miller-has-a-chance-to-play-vs-Bengals-41858058 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 12, 2015 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |website=pit.247sports.com}}</ref> During a Week 14 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals, he caught a season-high ten passes for 60 yards and had his second career carry for a two-yard gain in a 33–20 victory.<ref name="NFL" /> On January 3, 2016, he made three catches for 18 yards and caught his last career touchdown on a two-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger during the Steeler's 28–12 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals - December 13th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512130cin.htm |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He finished his last season with 60 receptions for 535 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 15 games and 15 starts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Heath Miller 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillHe00/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The [[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] finished the season with a 10–6 record, landing them second in the AFC North.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Pittsburgh Steelers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/2015.htm |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They faced the [[2015 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]] in the AFC Wildcard game and he caught two passes for nine yards in an 18–16 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals - January 9th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601090cin.htm |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On January 17, 2016, Miller played in his last career game and caught one pass for a seven-yard gain during the Steelers' 23–16 AFC Divisional round loss to eventual [[Super Bowl 50]] Champions the [[2015 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos - January 17th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601170den.htm |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

On February 19, 2016, Miller announced his retirement from football after an 11-season career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Coolong |first=Neal |date=February 19, 2016 |title=Heath Miller retires after 11-year career |work=[[USA Today]] |url=http://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2016/02/19/heath-miller-retirement-steelers/ |access-date=February 19, 2016}}</ref>

==NFL career statistics==
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2"| Legend
|-
| style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"|
| Won the [[Super Bowl]]
|-
| '''Bold'''
| Career high
|}

===Regular season===
{| class= "wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! rowspan="2"| GP
! colspan="7"| Receiving
! colspan="2"| Fumbles
|-
! Rec !! Tgt !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! FD !! Fum !! Lost
|-
! [[2005 NFL season|2005]] || style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"|[[2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 16 || 39 || 52 || 459 || 11.8 || 50 || 6 || 22 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2006 NFL season|2006]] || [[2006 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 16 || 34 || 55 || 393 || 11.6 || '''87''' || 5 || 21 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2007 NFL season|2007]] || [[2007 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 16 || 47 || 61 || 566 || 12.0 || 29 || 7 || 32 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2008 NFL season|2008]] || style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"|[[2008 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 14 || 48 || 66 || 514 || 10.7 || 22 || 3 || 29 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[2009 NFL season|2009]] || [[2009 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 16 || '''76''' || 98 || 789 || 10.4 || 41 || 6 || 37 || '''2''' || '''2'''
|-
! [[2010 NFL season|2010]] || [[2010 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 14 || 42 || 67 || 512 || 12.2 || 36 || 2 || 24 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[2011 NFL season|2011]] || [[2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 16 || 51 || 74 || 631 || '''12.4''' || 39 || 2 || 36 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[2012 NFL season|2012]] || [[2012 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 15 || 71 || '''101''' || '''816''' || 11.5 || 43 || '''8''' || '''44''' || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2013 NFL season|2013]] || [[2013 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 14 || 58 || 79 || 593 || 10.2 || 31 || 1 || 30 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[2014 NFL season|2014]] || [[2014 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 16 || 66 || 91 || 761 || 11.5 || 49 || 3 || 42 || '''2''' || 1
|-
! [[2015 NFL season|2015]] || [[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 15 || 60 || 81 || 535 || 8.9 || 27 || 2 || 29 || 0 || 0
|-
! colspan="2"| Career<ref name="Pro-Football-Reference.com">{{Cite web |title=Heath Miller Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillHe00.htm |access-date=February 19, 2016 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |publisher=Sports Reference LLC}}</ref> || 168 || 592 || 825 || 6,569 || 11.1 || 87 || 45 || 346 || 8 || 7
|}

==Personal life==
He is the son of Earl and Denise. He and his wife, Katie, were married during the 2007 offseason. They have three sons and a daughter, Chase, Jake, Cole, and Morgan.
<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Tim |title=FOOTBALL: Heath Miller now enjoying life in retirement |url=https://www.heraldcourier.com/sports/football-heath-miller-now-enjoying-life-in-retirement/article_97e713ae-88e0-11ea-ac86-cf801ea6e8c7.html |access-date=June 19, 2020 |website=Herald Courier |date=April 27, 2020 }}</ref>
Miller is involved with a number of charities. Miller has participated in the Salvation Army and WTAE TV's Annual Mini Golf Classic as host.<ref>"Golf With Steelers Past and Present and Support Needy Kids and Seniors – The Salvation Army and WTAE TV's Project Bundle-Up Slates 15th Annual Heath Miller Minigolf Classic." PR Newswire [Pittsburgh] May 8, 2012: n. pag. Web. October 3, 2012.</ref> Miller has also been involved in charities such as fashion shows <ref>Sheridan, Patricia. "Steeling Fashion." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 6, 2009: n. pag. Web. October 9, 2012</ref> and high school fundraising basketball games.<ref>Harlan, Chico. "2–5–06 DID FOR THE STEELERS; JUST ASK THEM." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette May 7, 2006: n. pag. Web. October 9, 2012.</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://www.nfl.com/players/heathmiller/profile?id=MIL243606 Heath Miller] at [[NFL.com]]
*{{commons category-inline}}

{{John Mackey Award}}
{{2004 NCAA Division I-A College Football Consensus All-Americans}}
{{2005 NFL Draft}}
{{SteelersFirstPick}}
{{Steelers2005DraftPicks}}
{{Super Bowl XL}}
{{Super Bowl XLIII}}
{{Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Miller, Heath}}
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American football tight ends]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players]]
[[Category:Virginia Cavaliers football players]]
[[Category:All-American college football players]]
[[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:People from Richlands, Virginia]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Virginia]]