Matt Millen is a former American football player and executive who had a successful career in the National Football League (NFL). He played as a linebacker for 12 seasons, starting with the Oakland Raiders in 1980 and ending with the Washington Redskins in 1991. During his playing career, Millen won four Super Bowl championships, one with the Raiders and three with the San Francisco 49ers.
After retiring from playing, Millen transitioned into a career as a football executive. He served as the president and CEO of the Detroit Lions from 2001 to 2008, during which time he oversaw the team's drafting and player personnel decisions. However, his tenure with the Lions was marked by controversy and poor performance, as the team failed to make the playoffs during his tenure and set a record for the worst single-season record in NFL history in 2008.
Despite his struggles with the Lions, Millen remained a respected figure in the football world. He was known for his toughness and leadership on the field, as well as his ability to evaluate talent and build winning teams. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001, and he has also worked as a commentator and analyst for various media outlets.
In recent years, Millen has faced health challenges related to a rare disease called amyloidosis, which affects the body's organs and tissues. He underwent a heart transplant in 2018 and has since been working to raise awareness about the disease and support research efforts to find a cure.
Overall, Matt Millen's football career was marked by both success and controversy. He was a talented player and executive who achieved great things on the field, but he also faced criticism for his management of the Lions and the team's poor performance during his tenure. Despite these challenges, Millen remains a respected figure in the football world and a source of inspiration for those facing health challenges.
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