What happened: Mike Sherman suspended Miller for the 2008 spring game after missed study halls and classes. Miller packed a 1981 pickup and left campus before turning back.
Why it matters: The decision preserved a college career that soon made Miller an elite NFL prospect. Miller reached Dallas with 138.5 sacks, two Super Bowl rings and eight Pro Bowl selections.
By the numbers: Miller rose from 3.5 sacks in 2008 to an NCAA-leading 17 in 2009, a 13.5-sack increase.
What to watch: His role in Dallas during the upcoming 2026 season will test the longevity behind that career arc.