Montclair State University Athletics

One of the most feared linebackers to ever come out of Division III football, Sam Mills left Montclair State in 1980 with some truly incredible numbers. A three-time NJ Collegiate Football Writers Defensive Player of the Year, Mills was also named to the New Jersey Athletic Conference All-Star Team all four of his years. He set three MSC records, two of which may never be broken. He owns the most tackles in a game (22 versus Southern Connecticut) and tackles in a career (501). He was a three-time ECAC Metropolitan All-Star, a two-time All-East selection, a two-time Co-SIDA All-American and First-Team Kodak All-American. Mill’s jersey, No. 62, became only the second jersey in MSC history to ever be retired. Mills, who passed away in 2004, went on to play for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers earning several All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. In 2009, Mills became the first Montclair State player to be enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.