Dee Milliner helped the Crimson Tide win two national championships from 2010-12. A stand-out high school athlete from Millbrook, the cornerback was on a fast track to the NFL.
That’s exactly what he did after his junior year at the University of Alabama. Milliner was projected as a high first-round draft pick by mid-season 2012 and picked ninth overall by the New York Jets in the 2013 NFL draft.
Before he left the Capstone, Milliner promised Coach Nick Saban he’d return to earn his degree.
Dee Milliner kept his promise to Coach Saban ✊? pic.twitter.com/LZ7d2cdYdP
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) August 4, 2023
“Injuries got the best of Dee Milliner, and he played only three years in the NFL,” WVTM’s Rick Karle wrote. “He disappeared from the news cycle in 2016, as he looked to discover what his future would bring. Today, Dee Milliner is back.”
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“He’s one of 23 Bama athletes who will receive their degrees at summer commencement.”
Ten years later, Milliner made good on his promise to Saban.
During his time playing, he racked up 81 tackles, five tackles for loss and six interceptions in three years.
Now, he’s got a bachelor’s degree to add to his impressive stats.
Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
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