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2017 SESSION

17100001D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 747
Offered January 13, 2017
Commending Earl Heath Miller, Jr.
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Patron-- Pillion
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WHEREAS, Earl Heath Miller, Jr., a University of Virginia alumnus and the most accomplished tight end in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who helped lead the team to two Super Bowl victories during his 11-year career in the National Football League, retired as a professional football player in 2016; and

WHEREAS, a native of Richlands, Heath Miller attended Honaker High School, where he played quarterback on the football team and led the Honaker Tigers to their first state championship in his senior year, setting several school records along the way; and

WHEREAS, Heath Miller played tight end for the University of Virginia Cavaliers, and in his first college game in 2002 he recorded four receptions and a touchdown; he ended his college career by setting Atlantic Coast Conference records for most career receptions, yards, and touchdowns by a tight end and shares the university record for most 100-yard games by a tight end; and

WHEREAS, in 2005, after his junior year at the University of Virginia, Heath Miller became the university’s fifth player to enter the National Football League (NFL) Draft early and was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the draft; and

WHEREAS, Heath Miller spent his entire professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, contributing to Super Bowl wins in 2006 and 2009, and was an essential member of the team’s high-powered offense with his efficient route running, situational awareness, and sure hands; when lined up as a blocker, he demonstrated the physicality and toughness emblematic of the Steelers since the 1970s; and

WHEREAS, during more than 160 games as a starter, Heath Miller became one of only 12 tight ends in NFL history to reach 6,000 career receiving yards and hauled in the sixth-most receptions by a tight end with 592; he also holds franchise records in Pittsburgh for receptions and receiving yards by a tight end and the record for receiving touchdowns by a tight end with 45; and

WHEREAS, Heath Miller was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl three times in his career, and he enjoyed his best season in 2012 when he was voted team Most Valuable Player (MVP) by his fellow Pittsburgh Steelers; he had 71 receptions and a career high 816 receiving yards and eight touchdowns during that season; and

WHEREAS, a trusted mentor to younger players who was deeply respected by all of his teammates and the coaches and staff of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Heath Miller was also a fan favorite, whose receptions were met with a rolling chorus of “HEATH” by Pittsburgh fans, which was heard in stadiums from coast to coast during his streak of 104 games with a reception; and

WHEREAS, during his well-earned retirement, Heath Miller plans to continue serving others through his involvement with many charitable organizations and spend more time with his wife, Katie, and their four children; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Earl Heath Miller, Jr., on the occasion of his retirement as a professional football player with the Pittsburgh Steelers; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Earl Heath Miller, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his skill, humility, and character and best wishes for the future.