Matt Millen was born on March 12, 1958 in Pennsylvania. From a young age, he displayed a natural talent for football and excelled on the field throughout his high school years. After graduating, Millen went on to play college football at Penn State University, where he quickly made a name for himself as a standout linebacker. He anchored the defense and was a key player for the Nittany Lions during his time at the university.
Millen's impressive college career caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was drafted in the second round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.
Millen had a successful and illustrious career in the NFL, playing for various teams and winning four Super Bowls with three different franchises. He was known for his tenacity, leadership, and skill on the field, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike. Millen's versatility and ability to excel in different defensive schemes made him a valuable asset to any team he played for.
After retiring from professional football, Millen transitioned into a career in sports management. He became the CEO and president of the Detroit Lions, a role that would ultimately prove to be challenging and controversial.
Millen's time with the Lions was marked by criticism and disappointment. Under his leadership, the team struggled to find success on the field, leading to a string of losing seasons and a infamous 0-16 season in 2008, making them the first team in NFL history to achieve this dismal record.
Despite his best efforts, Millen was unable to turn the Lions' fortunes around, and he faced mounting pressure from fans, media, and the organization itself. His tenure as CEO and president was ultimately unsuccessful, leading to his eventual departure from the team.
Off the field, Millen is a devoted family man. He is married to his wife, Patricia, with whom he has four children. His daughter Michalyn made headlines when she married NFL Running Back Collin Mooney in 2010, further solidifying the family's ties to the football world.
Despite the challenges he faced during his tenure with the Detroit Lions, Matt Millen remains a respected figure in the world of professional football. His contributions to the game both as a player and a sports executive have not gone unnoticed, and he continues to be remembered for his passion, dedication, and commitment to the sport.