MILLER, Alan R.
of Orchard Lake, MI;
Born June 19, 1937, in Mt. Kisco, New York, to William and Marilyn Miller;
Passed away suddenly of natural causes on October 20, 2024, at the age of 87;
Beloved husband of Susan for 40 years. Proud father of Michelle, Tracey, and Shane Miller;
Also survived by family members: Carolyn (Jim) Nichols, Lisa (Tom) Peck and Roger (Karen) McGuffin;
Alan's collegiate football career was nothing short of remarkable. As a fullback for Boston College, he made the All-East and All-New England Teams in 1959. He was on the Catholic All-American Team in 1958 and 1959. In 1959, they recognized Alan for his prowess on the field with the O’Melia trophy, and he played a crucial role in the Senior Bowl All-Star Game in 1960. Alan also graduated from the Marine Platoon Leaders Class at Quantico, Virginia. His legacy lives on as a Boston College Hall of Fame member.
Upon graduating from Boston College, Alan began a career in professional football. He played briefly with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1959. Then, the Patriots drafted him, joining their 1960 inaugural season. Alan led the Patriots in rushing in 1960 before the team traded him to the Oakland Raiders in 1961. There, he was named an AFL All-star. Alan played for the Raiders until 1965, and his leadership earned him squad captain from 1963-1965. The Oakland Raiders named him their Most Valuable Player in 1965.
During his professional career as a fullback, Alan held a football in one hand and a law book in the other. He attended law school at Boston University while playing football and studying during the off-season. At Boston University, he earned a Juris Doctor degree cum laude, finishing second in his class in 1965. Alan was also elected to the coveted position of Lead Article Editor of the Boston University Law Review.
Alan loved football, and it was hard for him to give it up. Instead, he found a way to combine his passion for law with his love of the game. He served as General Counsel to the American Football League Players Association from 1965 to 1970. In 1970, they elected him General Counsel for the National Football League Players Association (“NFLPA”). Alan merged the two Players Associations into the NFLPA. He handled all collective bargaining and labor negotiations for the NFLPA through 1972. He also served as legal counsel to the World Football League Players Association and worked for NBC television as a color commentator for NFL games. Alan was also a successful amateur race driver, the 1992 Central Division SCCA CSR Champion, and the Rober D. Collins Memorial Trophy winner. In 2007, Boston University School of Law awarded Alan the Silver Shingle Award for his distinguished service to the legal profession.
Alan Miller’s law firm ranks among the preeminent motorsports law firms in the U.S. and has represented many NASCAR teams, drivers, and other notable sports figures, including Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Helio Castroneves, Adrian Fernandez, Greg Moore, Erik Jones, Clint Bowyer, Santino Ferrucci, Tony Kanaan, Casey Mears, David Gilliland, Erin Crocker, William Byron, Bill Lester, Danica Patrick, Anthony Foyt IV, Alex Zanardi, Gil de Ferran, Ron Fellows, Marty Smith, Mark Dyer, Herb Fishel, Michael Kranefuss, and many other teams, drivers, manufacturers, and motorsports-related persons or entities throughout his career.
We will all remember Alan for much more than his professional achievements. He was a devoted father, an excellent mentor, and a cherished friend to many. He was a kind, hardworking, and honorable man. He lived a full life right to the very end, always with a booming laugh and a smile. His guidance and support have left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of knowing him, and his memory will continue to inspire us all.
A celebration of life to honor Alan's Miller's legacy will be held at Pine Lake Country Club in West Bloomfield Township, MI on Tuesday, November 5th at noon, followed by lunch.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Angels’ Place in Alan’s name.
We invite you to share a fond memory and contribute to his legacy on Alan's online guestbook below.
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