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Simon Fletcher on Von Miller: 'He makes everyone who has ever worn that uniform proud'

Fletcher the common thread to Broncos' sack record going back to Barney Chavous
Credit: KUSA
5 Dec 1993: Defensive lineman Simon Fletcher of the Denver Broncos works against the San Diego Chargers during a game at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. The Chargers won the game, 13-10.

DENVER — Von Miller didn’t need sack No. 98 to go down as the best pass rusher in Denver Broncos’ history.

Super Bowl 50 forever stamped that legacy.

Still, Simon Fletcher’s record of 97.5 sacks was there for 25 years – ever since he went past teammate Karl Mecklenburg with his 2.0-sack game against Seattle in week 11 of the 1993 season. That was two weeks after Meck broke Orange Crusher Barney Chavous’ team record of 75.0.

Fletcher has been the common thread to the Broncos’ sack record. He was a rookie when Chavous got his final sacks in 1985. And he was in attendance when Miller broke his mark Saturday night in a 17-16 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

“I’m a Broncos fan," Fletcher told 9News after the game. “I want the team to succeed so I hope every year records fall like crazy because that means we’re getting better and better.

“And I don’t think it could have happened to a better guy. He works hard. He does great things in the community and he makes everybody who’s ever worn that uniform proud to be associated with him."

Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in the third quarter at Broncos Stadium at Mile High.

After Miller sacked Baker Mayfield in the third quarter for the record, Fletcher delivered a congratulatory message to Miller that was played on the stadium’s scoreboard screen in the south stands.

“I saw the video," Miller said. “Simon and I have been buddies for five or six years now. He drove all the way down from Wyoming to see it, so it was incredible to have that type of support from a Broncos legend.

“I’m really good friends with Simon and he’s always been positive, supportive and pushing me on to break it. Even when I had 30 sacks he was pushing me on."

Fletcher also caught up to Miller in the locker room following the game Saturday.

“I hugged his neck, and I told him great job, I’m so proud of ya, so is everyone I’ve talked to," Fletcher said. “Keep up the great work and go and get Reggie White."

White was the NFL’s all-time sack leader with 198.0 when he retired in 2000. Bruce Smith broke that mark by finishing with 200 sacks in a career that ended with the 2003 season.

One of the keys for Miller if he is to approach those all-time greats is health. What’s been remarkable to this point is he’s had 63.0 sacks in the five seasons since suffering an ACL tear in 2013.

Fletcher needed 11 seasons to get 97.5. Smith played 19 seasons for 200 and White played 16 seasons for 198.

Miller, 29, has 98 sacks with two games remaining in his eighth season.

“It’s a great accomplishment and I got to do it with (defensive end Derek) Wolfe," Miller said. “It was ironic because I ran a game with Wolfe. That’s just how our relationship has been. He’s been running the game with me. It’s like Dirk (Nowitzki) and Steve Nash. He’s gotten me open and he’s helped me out to get sacks 50 million times."

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