Nyheim Arthur Miller-Hines Bio
Nyheim Arthur Miller-Hines is an American professional football running back and punt returner who currently plays for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was born on November 12, 1996, in Garner, North Carolina, and attended Garner Magnet High School before playing college football at NC State University. Miller-Hines was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft with the 104th overall pick. His 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine was the fastest among running backs in that draft class, showcasing the speed that would define his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Miller-Hines grew up in Garner, North Carolina, where he attended Garner Magnet High School and played football for the Trojans. During his high school career, he accumulated 6,242 rushing yards and 7,299 total yards while scoring 126 touchdowns. His exceptional performance included scoring seven touchdowns in a single game twice, an achievement that became part of his 15 school records. These accomplishments solidified his reputation as one of the most prolific running backs in North Carolina high school history.
Beyond football, Miller-Hines also competed in track and field at Garner Magnet High School. He demonstrated sprinter speed with personal-best times of 10.34 seconds in the 100 meters and 21.31 seconds in the 200 meters. His athletic versatility and straight-line speed made him a multi-sport standout and attracted attention from major college programs.
Path to Professional Football
After graduating from high school, Miller-Hines committed to North Carolina State University to play for the NC State Wolfpack under head coach Dave Doeren. He played for the Wolfpack from 2015 to 2017, developing into a dynamic dual-threat running back who could contribute both as a rusher and receiver out of the backfield. His performance during his junior season in 2017 proved to be his breakout campaign.
During the 2017 season, Miller-Hines rushed for 1,112 yards on 197 carries with 12 touchdowns. He was named the MVP of the 2017 Sun Bowl after a standout performance that helped lead NC State to victory. His accomplishments earned him First Team All-ACC honors, and he decided to forgo his senior year of eligibility to enter the 2018 NFL Draft. Throughout his college career, he accumulated 1,400 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns while also serving as NC State’s primary punt returner.
In addition to his football duties, Miller-Hines was a member of NC State’s track and field team. He placed third in the 60 meters at the ACC Indoor Championships with a personal-best time of 6.71 seconds. At the ACC Outdoor Championships, he finished third in the 100 meters with his personal-best time of 10.34 seconds and placed eighth in the 200 meters with a time of 21.31 seconds.
Nyheim Arthur Miller-Hines Career
Indianapolis Colts (2018–2022)
Miller-Hines was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round, 104th overall, of the 2018 NFL Draft. He made his NFL debut in the season-opening game against the Cincinnati Bengals, recording five carries for 19 rushing yards and seven receptions for 33 receiving yards in the 34-23 loss. He scored his first professional touchdown the following week, an eight-yard rush against the Washington Redskins. In Week 4 against the Houston Texans, he recorded nine receptions for 63 yards and two receiving touchdowns in the overtime loss.
Overall, Miller-Hines finished his rookie season with 314 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 63 receptions for 425 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns. He appeared in both playoff games as the Colts advanced to the Divisional Round before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs. His versatility as a receiver out of the backfield immediately became a valuable asset for the Colts offense.
During Week 16 of the 2019 season against the Carolina Panthers, Miller-Hines made franchise history by returning two punts for touchdowns—an 84-yard return and a 71-yard return—in the 38-6 victory. He became the first player since Darius Reynaud in 2012 to achieve this feat and the first player in Colts franchise history to have two punt return touchdowns in a single game. His performance earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. He finished the 2019 season with 52 carries for 199 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to go along with 44 receptions for 320 receiving yards.
In the 2020 season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miller-Hines scored both a rushing and receiving touchdown in the 27-20 loss. He continued his productive form throughout the season, including a 115-scrimmage-yard performance against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football in Week 10. He finished 2020 with 89 carries for 380 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 63 receptions for 482 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns.
On September 10, 2021, Miller-Hines signed a three-year, $18.6 million contract extension with the Colts. He continued his dual-threat role during the 2021 season, finishing with 56 carries for 276 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 40 receptions for 310 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. The extension reflected the Colts’ commitment to his unique skill set as both a rusher and elite return specialist.
Buffalo Bills (2022–2023)
On November 1, 2022, the Colts traded Miller-Hines to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for running back Zack Moss and a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He provided immediate impact in the Bills’ offense, appearing in 16 games and starting five. He totaled 30 receptions for 241 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown while adding one rushing touchdown.
His most spectacular performance came in Week 18 against the New England Patriots. Miller-Hines returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in the 35-23 victory, becoming the eleventh NFL player in history to accomplish this feat in a single game. He became a major part of Buffalo’s kickoff return game during the stretch run of the season, showcasing his game-changing ability as a returner.
Unfortunately, Miller-Hines missed the entire 2023 season after sustaining a leg injury in a personal watercraft accident during the offseason. He and another jet ski driver collided, resulting in the injury that placed him on the reserve/non-football injury list on July 25, 2023. He was released by the Bills on March 6, 2024, as the team moved in a different direction at the running back position.
Cleveland Browns (2024)
On March 13, 2024, Miller-Hines signed with the Cleveland Browns. He was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list to start the season and did not appear in any games for Cleveland during the year. On February 18, 2025, the Browns released Miller-Hines, ending his brief tenure with the team.
Los Angeles Chargers (2025)
On July 22, 2025, Miller-Hines signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. His time with the team was marked by roster fluctuation, as he was released on August 26 and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was released again on September 7 before returning to the practice squad on October 7. Miller-Hines made three appearances for the Chargers as a practice squad elevation, recording two negative yards on two rushes. He was released on October 28, 2025.
New Orleans Saints (2025–Present)
On December 18, 2025, Miller-Hines was signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad. He played in one game for the Saints as a practice squad elevation before the regular season concluded. The addition provided depth at the running back and return positions for the Saints as they evaluated their roster for future seasons.
Playing Style and Strengths
Miller-Hines is known for his exceptional speed and acceleration, evidenced by his 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the 2018 NFL Combine, the fastest among that year’s running back class. His primary value lies as a receiving threat out of the backfield and as an elite return specialist. He possesses quick feet, excellent hands, and the ability to make defenders miss in open space. His track background contributes to his straight-line speed and ability to reach the edge on running plays.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his career, Miller-Hines has made history as a returner. His two punt return touchdowns in a single game during the 2019 season marked the first such occurrence in Colts franchise history. His two kickoff return touchdowns in Week 18 of the 2022 season made him the eleventh player in NFL history to achieve this feat. His college career was highlighted by being named Sun Bowl MVP and First Team All-ACC in 2017.
Nyheim Arthur Miller-Hines Career Statistics
Across his NFL career through the 2025 season, Miller-Hines has compiled statistical totals while playing for the Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, and New Orleans Saints. His career includes contributions as both a rusher and receiver while serving as a primary return specialist.
NFL Career Highlights
Miller-Hines has accumulated 1,202 career rushing yards on 309 attempts with 10 rushing touchdowns. As a receiver, he has recorded 240 receptions for 1,778 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns. His return career includes 1,832 return yards and 4 return touchdowns, showcasing his value as a special teams weapon. His single-season highlights include his 2020 campaign with the Colts, where he posted career highs in rushing yards, receiving yards, and total touchdowns.
College Career Statistics
During his three seasons at NC State from 2015 to 2017, Miller-Hines rushed for 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns while serving as the Wolfpack’s primary punt returner. His junior season in 2017 represented his most productive year, as he rushed for 1,112 yards and 12 touchdowns on 197 carries while earning First Team All-ACC honors.
| Competition | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs | Return Yards | Return TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career (2018–2025) | 1,202 | 10 | 240 | 1,778 | 8 | 1,832 | 4 |
| College (2015–2017) | 1,400 | 13 | — | — | — | — | — |
Nyheim Arthur Miller-Hines Family
Family Background
Miller-Hines comes from an athletic family. His twin sister, Nyah Miller-Hines, competed for the NC State track and field team, continuing the family’s tradition of speed and athletic excellence. The siblings both attended NC State and represented the Wolfpack in track and field, with Nyah focusing on her athletic career while Nyheim pursued football.
Personal Life
Beyond his football career, Miller-Hines has shown entrepreneurial initiative by working at Bojangles restaurant during the off-season. He has expressed interest in preparing for life after football by gaining experience in the business world. His work ethic extends beyond the football field, demonstrating a mature approach to planning for his future beyond his playing career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Miller-Hines bounce between two NFL franchises. He signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in July but experienced significant roster instability, being released and re-signed to the practice squad multiple times. He appeared in three games with the Chargers before being released in late October. Miller-Hines then signed with the New Orleans Saints practice squad in December and appeared in one game as a practice squad elevation.
His season was defined by the challenges of maintaining a roster spot in a competitive league while showcasing his abilities in limited opportunities. Despite the roster fluctuations, Miller-Hines demonstrated his continued commitment to being ready when called upon. The Saints provided an opportunity to finish the season with a new organization, giving him a chance to audition for future roster consideration heading into the 2026 season.