BREAKING: Von Miller Joins Cowboys with Outrageous Demands – A Lifetime Supply of Chicken?
OXFORD, Miss. – August 25, 2026 – In a move that is equal parts blockbuster and bizarre, future Hall of Fame edge rusher Von Miller has finally signed with his hometown Dallas Cowboys . However, the veteran pass-rusher’s arrival has been overshadowed by a request that has the NFL world buzzing: an “outrageous” demand to acquire jersey No. 40 from fullback Hunter Luepke in exchange for a lifetime supply of chicken .
The one-year deal, reportedly worth $5.5 million and up to $7.5 million with incentives, solidifies the Cowboys’ defensive overhaul . But the negotiation that has everyone talking isn’t with the front office—it’s with a teammate over a jersey number.
The “Outrageous” Jersey Demand
Von Miller, 36, has never been one to shy away from a unique personality, but his first public act as a Cowboy might be his most memorable yet. When asked about his jersey number during his introductory press conference, Miller revealed that he has his sights set on No. 40, a number he wore at Texas A&M and during stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills .
There’s just one problem: No. 40 currently belongs to fullback Hunter Luepke.
“I’m not going to get caught up in the number, but I did make some offers to him already that I feel like he can’t really come off of,” Miller said, according to multiple reports . “I think a lifetime supply of chicken will do it” .
While this sounds like a punchline, Miller is deadly serious—and uniquely qualified to deliver. Miller is a co-founder of Greener Pastures Chicken, a 35-acre regenerative and organic poultry farm in Elgin, Texas . The offer isn’t just a joke; it’s a legitimate business proposal that stems from his college major in poultry science .
NFL fans and analysts were quick to dub the request “outrageous,” not because of the cost, but because of the sheer novelty . It is currently unclear if Luepke has accepted the offer, though the alternative—wearing No. 44—has been floated as a possible solution . Meanwhile, Miller has shown respect for Cowboys history, ruling out No. 94 out of respect for franchise legend DeMarcus Ware .
A “Dream Within a Dream” Deal
Beyond the chicken drama, the signing itself is a massive coup for the Cowboys, who have been in flux since the shocking trade of Micah Parsons . Miller, a DeSoto, Texas native, described the move as a “dream within a dream” .
The financial details of the contract are team-friendly. Miller’s base salary is $5.5 million, but he can earn up to $2 million more through incentives tied to sack totals and a playoff appearance . He will receive a $3 million signing bonus and a $1.5 million base salary, with active roster bonuses contributing to the total .
On-Field Value
Despite his age and the fact that he’s played for five franchises in six years, Miller has proven he can still produce . Last season with the Washington Commanders, he recorded nine sacks, his highest total since 2018, despite playing just 37% of defensive snaps .
The Cowboys, who ranked 26th in sack rate last year, are hoping Miller can replicate that situational success . Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer has indicated they will not rush him into action, with Miller unlikely to be an every-down player . He will serve as a rotational piece alongside young talents like Donovan Ezeiruaku and first-round pick Malachi Lawrence .
For the Dallas Cowboys, securing a future Hall of Famer for a modest price is a win. But the story of Von Miller’s homecoming is currently centered on whether a fullback is willing to trade his jersey number for free poultry for life.
