Ryan Miller

Ryan McKnight Miller Bio

Ryan McKnight Miller is an American professional football wide receiver for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 20, 2000, in Jackson, Tennessee, Miller played college football for the Furman Paladins before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He previously spent two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before joining the Giants in December 2025. Standing 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 221 pounds, Miller made the transition from tight end to wide receiver at the professional level and has established himself as a reliable depth option in NFL passing attacks.

Early Life and Background

Miller was born on February 20, 2000, in Jackson, Tennessee, into a family with deep athletic roots. His father and grandfather each played college baseball, while his maternal grandfather was a college tennis player. His mother was a cheerleader, rounding out a household steeped in competitive sports tradition. This environment fostered Miller’s early love for athletics and laid the foundation for his future football career.

He attended the University School of Jackson, where he balanced multiple sports alongside his academics. At the school, Miller played football, basketball, and ran track, while also serving in the school band. His versatility showed early, as he saw playing time at wide receiver, tight end, middle linebacker, running back, and defensive end in football games. Miller served as a team captain during his high school career and was a three-time all-district selection, earning all-state and All-West Tennessee honors twice. As a senior, he recorded 69 receptions for 1,149 yards and eight touchdowns, along with 520 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, capping a career in which he caught 82 passes for 1,529 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Path to Professional Football

Despite his productive high school career, Miller was rated as a two-star recruit coming out of the University School of Jackson. He received four offers to play college football and ultimately chose to continue his career at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level, committing to play for the Furman Paladins. This decision proved instrumental in his development as a player and set him on the path toward professional football.

At Furman, Miller transitioned primarily to the tight end position, where his combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence allowed him to thrive against collegiate competition. His work ethic and production caught the attention of NFL scouts, though his journey to professional football required patience and persistence through the draft process before earning his opportunity.

Ryan McKnight Miller Career

College Career (2018–2022)

Miller arrived at Furman University in 2018 and immediately contributed as a true freshman, appearing in nine games with one start. He recorded 10 receptions for 144 yards during his inaugural college season, demonstrating his ability to make an impact at the FCS level. His sophomore year in 2019 saw increased responsibility, as he started 11 games and posted 11 receptions for 237 yards and three touchdowns, showing the promise that would define his remaining college years.

The 2020 season, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, became a breakout year for Miller. Despite playing only seven games, he earned first-team All-American honors from the Associated Press and first-team All-Southern Conference recognition. He recorded 15 catches for 254 yards and six touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the top receiving threats in the FCS. Miller continued his dominance in 2021, repeating as a first-team All-American and All-SoCon selection while emerging as the top FCS tight end with 43 receptions for 749 yards and seven scores. He ranked third in the conference in yards per catch, touchdown catches, and receiving yards during that campaign.

In his final collegiate season of 2022, Miller served as Furman’s leading receiver for the second consecutive year, catching 72 passes for 762 yards and 12 touchdowns. His career culminated with another all-conference and All-American selection, and he set the school record for single-season and career touchdown catches. Miller became the first three-time All-American in Furman University history, cementing his legacy as one of the program’s greatest players.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2023–2025)

Despite his impressive college career, Miller went unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft. He converted from tight end to wide receiver prior to the draft and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. This position change required significant adjustment, but Miller’s athleticism and football instincts translated well to his new role. He was released at the final roster cuts on August 29, 2023, but was immediately re-signed to the practice squad to continue his development.

Miller was elevated to the active roster for the Buccaneers’ Week 13 game against the Carolina Panthers. He made his NFL debut in the 21–18 victory, taking the first step in his professional career. Following the season, he signed a reserve/future contract on January 23, 2024, securing his place on the roster for his second year. Miller was waived in August 2024 but returned to the practice squad and was promoted to the active roster in October.

His 2024 season included a milestone moment on November 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, when Miller scored his first career NFL touchdown on a one-yard pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield. Less than two months later, on December 22 against the Dallas Cowboys, he recorded his second career touchdown on a 13-yard pass from Mayfield, pushing his career receiving yards over the 100-yard mark. The 2025 season brought continued production, including a 20-yard touchdown reception from Mayfield in a 20–19 win over the Houston Texans on September 15. Miller was waived by the Buccaneers on December 10, 2025.

New York Giants (2025–Present)

On December 11, 2025, Miller was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants, providing him with a new opportunity with an established franchise. Joining a different offensive system and quarterback situation, Miller brought his experience from Tampa Bay to New York. He re-signed with the Giants on April 7, 2026, indicating the team’s confidence in his abilities and his fit within their plans going forward.

Playing Style and Strengths

Miller’s transition from tight end to wide receiver at the professional level highlights his adaptability and football intelligence. His experience playing multiple positions in high school and his college tenure at tight end gave him a unique understanding of route running and offensive concepts. His 6-foot-2 frame provides a solid target for quarterbacks, particularly in the red zone, while his experience as a blocker from his tight end days adds value to an NFL offense.

Notable Events and Milestones

Among Miller’s notable career moments are his first professional touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in November 2024 and his milestone game against the Dallas Cowboys where he surpassed 100 career receiving yards. His selection as a three-time All-American at Furman, including being the first in school history to achieve that distinction, stands as his most significant collegiate honor. His path from FCS football to NFL contribution, overcoming being undrafted, represents his most meaningful professional achievement.

Ryan McKnight Miller Career Statistics

Through his first three NFL seasons, Miller has established himself as a useful depth receiver capable of contributing in the passing game and scoring situations. His connection with quarterback Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay produced several notable moments and touchdowns.

NFL Career Highlights

Miller’s NFL career began with limited opportunities as a practice squad player before earning elevation to active rosters. His first touchdown reception came in a primetime matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, a significant moment in his professional development. A second touchdown followed against the Dallas Cowboys, and he continued to contribute through the 2025 season with Tampa Bay before joining the Giants’ roster.

College Career Achievements

At Furman University, Miller achieved extraordinary success over four seasons. He finished his collegiate career as the school’s all-time leader in touchdown catches, set the single-season record in that category, and became the first player in Furman history to earn three first-team All-American honors. His 2020 and 2021 first-team Associated Press All-American selections came during a period of consistent dominance at the FCS level, while his 2022 season cemented his status as the most accomplished receiver in Paladins history.

Family Background

Family Athletic Heritage

Miller comes from a notably athletic family that has contributed to multiple sports at the collegiate level. His father and grandfather both played college baseball, continuing a family tradition of baseball excellence. His maternal grandfather was a college tennis player, while his mother served as a cheerleader during her college years. This multi-sport athletic background provided Ryan with a strong foundation in competitive sports and helped develop the versatility that would define his football career.

Personal Life

Miller continues to maintain connections to his Tennessee roots while pursuing his NFL career. His journey from Jackson, Tennessee, through Furman University, to the NFL showcases his dedication to the sport. He remains active on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account. As a young professional athlete, Miller focuses on continuing his development and earning a permanent role in the NFL.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represented a transitional year for Miller, split between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Giants. Beginning the year with Tampa Bay, he contributed to the Buccaneers’ offense and found the end zone on September 15 with a 20-yard touchdown reception from Baker Mayfield in a narrow 20–19 victory over the Houston Texans. This play demonstrated his continued ability to make big plays in key situations. Following his mid-season waiver and subsequent claim by the Giants, Miller adapted to a new offensive system and concluded the season with four receptions for 50 yards and one touchdown across both teams.

The move to New York provided Miller with fresh opportunities with a franchise rich in football tradition. His performance throughout the season demonstrated his reliability as a depth receiver capable of contributing when called upon. The Giants’ decision to claim him off waivers reflected their assessment of his talent and potential value to their roster. His re-signing in April 2026 indicated mutual interest in continuing the partnership and building upon his contributions during the 2025 campaign.