Induct SAM MILLS

Sam Mills, despite his lack of height, did extremely well. In his first three seasons he was a three-time All-USFL selection and helped the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars win league titles in 1983 and 1984. He made 592 tackles and recovered 10 fumbles, never missing a game and played every defensive down.

Sam Mills played nine seasons for the New Orleans Saints where, in his first season, he finished with 92 tackles, earning the respect of his teammates. In his final season with the Saints in 1994 he finished with a career-high 115 tackles. He was 37 years old. During his Saints' tenure he was named to four Pro Bowls.

In 1996 he signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers. He was named to his fifth Pro Bowl that season. When he retired from playing in 1997, Mills' stats were amazing: 12 NFL seasons, 1,319 tackles, 20.5 quarterback sacks, 11 interceptions and four touchdowns in 181 games with 173 starts. He also had not missed a start in 50 games. As a Member of the Carolina Panthers, Sam Mills led the team in tackles in 1995 and 1996, when the Panthers won the NFC West.
His stats may not be as impressive as some. However, his character well exceeds any of the linebackers that have been selected before him.

Sam Mills character on and off the field made him a great role model and the type of player and person that set an example for the younger generation. As his former team owner once said, He was the type of guy you want your kids to grow up to be.

During his struggle with cancer Sam inspired so many around him and continued to coach every week. Sams inspirational words to the team before a Dallas Cowboys game spurred the creation of the KEEP POUNDING charity to help battle cancer.

Awards: Named Kodak All-American his senior year at Montclair State, 1980; holds school records in career tackles (501), single-season tackles (142) and single-game tackles (22); three-time defensive player of the year by the New Jersey Collegiate Football Writers Association; member, Panthers Hall of Honor, New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame, Louisiana Hall of Fame; named to five Pro Bowls.


The attached list of names would like to petition the NFL Hall of Fame to induct Sam Mills into this years class of enshrinees.