In an unusual twist on jersey number negotiations, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Von Miller has successfully acquired the coveted No. 40 jersey from teammate Hunter Luepke. The two players were engaged in a lighthearted game of chicken over the number, which Luepke, a fullback, has worn since joining the team in 2023.
As both players donned the number during training camp, a decision was imperative ahead of the regular season, as the NFL prohibits duplicate jersey numbers on the same team. The deadline loomed, and ultimately, Miller decided to make a trade that would benefit both parties.
Miller, who has a history with the No. 40 from his high school and college days, along with his time with the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills, offered Luepke a percentage of his chicken company, Greener Pastures Chicken, in exchange for the jersey. Luepke will now don the No. 30, allowing Miller to reclaim a number that holds personal significance.
“You got to give Hunter a great shout out,” Miller remarked, as reported by Jon Machota of TheAthletic.com. “He’s learned from the best with the negotiators here with the Cowboys. It went down to the final hour, but we were able to get it done. I don’t want to get into the details of it, but I’m happy to say he’s my business partner. He’s a part owner of Greener Pastures Chicken, the chicken of champions.”
Greener Pastures Chicken is not just a personal venture for Miller; it has attracted attention from other notable NFL players. Stars like Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees, and Nick Foles are also involved with the USDA-certified organic poultry processing facility located in Elgin, Texas. This collaboration highlights the growing trend of athletes diversifying their portfolios beyond their sports careers.
Miller, who studied poultry science at Texas A&M, expressed his satisfaction with the arrangement, stating, “[Luepke] was a great fit for us. It was a great fit for him. I’m happy that we were able to get it done.” This unique negotiation not only underscores the camaraderie within the Cowboys organization but also showcases the entrepreneurial spirit of its players.
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming NFL season, this light-hearted yet strategic exchange reflects both Miller's commitment to his personal brand and the team's culture of collaboration. Fans can look forward to seeing Miller back in his familiar No. 40 as he takes the field, while Luepke embraces his new number with the same enthusiasm.
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