Matthew Vincent Milano Bio
Matthew Vincent Milano is an American professional football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Boston College Eagles from 2013 to 2016. The Buffalo Bills selected Milano in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft, and he has since become a central part of head coach Sean McDermott’s defense. He is considered one of the greatest draft steals in Bills history.
Early Life and Background
Milano was born on July 28, 1994, in Commack, New York, to parents Mike Milano and Janet Milano. He grew up alongside his siblings Gina and Michael. During his youth, Milano’s family relocated to Orlando, Florida, where he would later attend high school.
At Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Milano played defensive back for the Panthers football team. Between his junior and senior seasons, he earned various team, district, and conference honors. During the 2012 season, Milano served as team captain, and in his senior year, he was awarded Defensive Player of the Year after recording 100 tackles, including 18 tackles for loss and three sacks. He graduated in 2013.
Milano was rated a three-star linebacker recruit by 247Sports and Rivals.com. He chose to commit to Boston College over offers from Air Force, Arizona, Bowling Green, Miami (OH), and Stony Brook to play college football.
Path to the NFL
Milano arrived at Boston College in 2013 and played under head coach Steve Addazio. He received the Westerman Family Flynn Fund Scholarship, signing as early as July 2012. During his true freshman season in 2013, Milano appeared in the season-opening game against Villanova and finished with five tackles across 13 games.
In his sophomore season in 2014, Milano was part of the Eagles’ defense that ranked second in the nation. He recorded 18 tackles across 12 games and participated in nearly 300 plays. His junior season in 2015 saw him earn multiple honorable mentions while starting 11 of 12 games as the strong-side linebacker.
During his senior season in 2016, Milano received the William J. Flynn Most Valuable Player award. He played 13 games and recorded 58 tackles, including 41 unassisted tackles. While at Boston College, he majored in applied psychology and human development.
Matthew Vincent Milano Career
Rookie Season (2017)
The Buffalo Bills selected Milano in the fifth round with the 163rd overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft. The draft selection came via a compensatory pick the Bills received from the New England Patriots. He signed a four-year contract worth $2.66 million on May 11, 2017.
Throughout training camp, Milano competed against veterans Ramon Humber and Gerald Hodges for the starting weak-side linebacker position. He began the regular season as the backup but earned his first career start in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals, recording four combined tackles in the 20-16 road loss. In his second consecutive start, he recorded his first career interception off Jameis Winston during a 30-27 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Milano scored his first career touchdown in Week 8 against the Oakland Raiders when he recovered a fumble and returned it 40 yards for a score. He was named the starting weak-side linebacker in Week 14 and remained in that role for the remainder of the season. He finished his rookie year with 49 combined tackles, two pass deflections, one interception, and a fumble recovery in 16 games and five starts.
Breakthrough Seasons (2018–2019)
In Week 3 of the 2018 season, Milano recorded a sack, an interception, a fumble recovery, two passes defensed, and eight tackles in a 27-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings, earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. However, his season was cut short when he suffered a broken fibula in Week 14 and underwent season-ending surgery. He finished the year with 78 combined tackles, one sack, and three interceptions.
Milano returned from injury in 2019 and recorded a career-high 100 combined tackles along with 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 15 starts. The Bills returned to the playoffs and faced the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round, where Milano recorded a game-high 12 tackles before the team lost 22-19 in overtime.
Buffalo Bills Era (2020–Present)
In 2020, Milano recorded his first interception of the season in the Week 1 victory over the Jets. He was placed on injured reserve in November due to a pectoral injury sustained in Week 4 and was activated in December. He appeared in ten games with five starts, finishing with 3.5 sacks, 45 total tackles, one interception, and three passes defended. He started all three postseason games and recorded 25 total tackles.
On March 11, 2021, Milano signed a four-year, $44 million contract extension with the Bills. He recorded his first sack of the season in Week 2 against the Dolphins and finished the year with 86 total tackles, three sacks, a career-high 15 tackles for a loss, and five passes defended as Buffalo won the AFC East for the second consecutive season.
The 2022 season marked Milano’s most decorated year. He recorded an interception returned 43 yards for a touchdown against the Titans in Week 2 and earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors again in Week 11. He finished the season with 99 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, three interceptions, and 11 passes defended. In two playoff games, he recorded 20 combined tackles and three sacks. Milano was named to the Pro Bowl and earned first-team All-Pro honors. He was ranked 69th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.
On March 12, 2023, Milano signed a two-year extension keeping him under contract through 2026. However, his 2023 season ended early when he suffered a season-ending fractured leg in Week 5 against the Jaguars. In August 2024, he underwent surgery for a torn biceps suffered in practice and was activated from injured reserve in November. He recorded a sack in two of the Bills’ three postseason games that year.
Playing Style and Strengths
Milano is known for his versatility and speed at the linebacker position. His ability to cover receivers, stop the run, and rush the quarterback makes him a three-down defender in the Bills’ system. He has shown a knack for making big plays, evidenced by his multiple defensive touchdowns and forced fumbles throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Milano’s career has been highlighted by several dramatic moments, including his 43-yard interception return for a touchdown against Tennessee in 2022 and his AFC Defensive Player of the Week performances. Being selected 163rd overall and developing into a First-team All-Pro represents one of the most significant draft steals in recent Bills history.
Matthew Vincent Milano Career Statistics
Through the 2025 season, Milano has established himself as one of the Bills’ most reliable defensive players, amassing impressive statistics across multiple categories throughout his career.
NFL Highlights
Milano has played in 89 career games with 72 starts for the Bills. He has recorded 571 total tackles, 14 sacks, four forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, and 10 interceptions. His 39 career pass deflections and two defensive touchdowns showcase his ability to make plays on the ball. His standout 2022 season saw him earn Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro honors with 99 tackles and three interceptions.
Career Accolades
Milano’s major career awards include First-team All-Pro recognition in 2022 and Pro Bowl selection that same year. He has earned multiple AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, including notable performances against the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 and the Cleveland Browns in 2022.
| Category | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 571 |
| Sacks | 14 |
| Interceptions | 10 |
| Forced Fumbles | 4 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 11 |
| Pass Deflections | 39 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 2 |
Matthew Vincent Milano Family
Family Background
Milano was born to Mike Milano and Janet Milano in Commack, New York. He grew up alongside his siblings Gina and Michael. His family later moved to Orlando, Florida, where he attended Dr. Phillips High School and developed into a Division I college football player.
2025 Season Performance
On March 18, 2025, Milano and the Bills restructured his contract, taking a $3 million pay cut that could be earned back through incentives, making him a free agent after the 2025 season. In the 2025 season, Milano recorded 3.5 sacks and 67 total tackles, continuing to be a productive member of the Bills’ defense despite the contract adjustment. The Bills remained competitive in the AFC, with Milano serving as a veteran leader on a defense that continued to rank among the league’s best units.