Biography
Matt Millen, born on March 12, 1958, in Dickson City, Pennsylvania, is a former American football linebacker and an executive in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Penn State University, where he was a standout player under head coach Joe Paterno. Millen was selected by the Los Angeles Raiders in the second round of the 1980 NFL Draft, embarking on a successful professional career.
During his tenure in the NFL, Millen played for the Raiders, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Washington Redskins, winning four Super Bowl championships between 1983 and 1991. Known for his tough, physical style of play, he was a key contributor to the success of his teams, earning a reputation as one of the league's premier linebackers. After retiring as a player in 1994, Millen transitioned to a broadcasting career, where he gained prominence as an NFL analyst on various television networks.
Millen later became an executive, notably serving as the president and CEO of the Detroit Lions from 2001 to 2008. His tenure in this role is often critiqued due to the team's struggles and lack of success during those years. Despite the mixed legacy as an executive, Millen's impact on the game, both on and off the field, cements his place in NFL history.