Al Wilson: ‘Haven’t seen anyone’ like Broncos LB Von Miller

Al Wilson played eight seasons for the Denver Broncos. In his career, he racked up 21.5 sacks, 580 tackles, five Pro Bowl selections, and was named an All-Pro in 2005.

Wilson was a consensus All-American and national champion at Tennessee. He ranks among the greatest linebackers in Broncos history.

But even he hasn’t seen someone like Von Miller.

On with Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan’s “Schlereth and Evans” Thursday, Wilson said Miller has a talent unlike anyone he’s seen in his time on and off the field.

“I haven’t seen anybody like him. I’ve seen some good pass rushers, but I have anybody with that ability since I’ve been watching the game,” Wilson said.

The former Broncos linebacker credited Miller’s greatness with a physical ability that most, if any, do not possess.

“He’s a limber pass rusher. When you see a guy get that low to the ground and be able to get under the offensive tackle or get around the guard, it’s fun to watch,” Wilson said.

In 2016 so far, Miller’s earned at least a half-sack in each of the Broncos six games and ranks second only behind Buffalo’s Lorenzo Alexander (8) with 7.5 sacks.

Through just 78 games thus far in his career, Miller ranks fifth on Denver’s all-time sack list with 67.5, behind Rulon Jones (73.5), Barney Chavous (75), Karl Mecklenberg (79), and Simon Fletcher (97.5).

Miller’s been named four times to Pro Bowls in five seasons, twice as a first team All-Pro, twice as a second team All-Pro, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2011, and Super Bowl 50 MVP.

Broncos defensive getting teams best shots

Wilson said the reason why Denver’s all-world defense has perhaps fallen off a big in 2016 was that each team they face is out to prove they can take down the world champions.

“When a team comes and Denver steps on the field, all they’re thinking is this is the best team in football last season. We’re going to play our best game today. So they’re giving the defense a little bit more challenge,” Wilson said.

Denver’s also missing a few key components from 2015’s top defense — DeMarcus Ware, who’s currently out with a fractured forearm, along with guys who left during the offseason, like linebacker Danny Trevathan, defensive end Malik Jackson, and safeties David Bruton and Omar Bolden.

But despite all those hurdles, Denver ranks among the top 10 in team defense in the NFL — fifth in passing yards allowed — which Wilson said is a credit to how strong this Broncos unit is.

“I just think teams are preparing a little better for them this season because they know they are the world champions, they know what kind of defense they have,” Wilson said. “And for them to still be showing up and playing well is a tribute to them.”

Wilson, Project FANchise acquire indoor football’s Colorado Crush

You can now also put “franchise owner” on Wilson’s resume.

Project FANchise, in which Wilson is a co-owner, announced that it had acquired the ownership rights to the Indoor Football League’s Colorado Crush.

According to a release, FANchise will use mobile technology to allow fans to essentially run the football team, including hiring coaches and calling plays in real time.

“The Colorado Crush will basically be a team run by the fans,” Wilson told “Schlereth and Evans” Thursday.

It’s the second IFL team do use the technology, with the expansion Salt Lake Screaming Eagles adopting it in 2015.

The Crush is currently amid a vote to name its head coach for the 2017 season, which will run until Oct. 23 online at coloradocrushfootball.com/coach-vote.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @Johnnyhart7.