Von Miller is beating complacency - and the heat - this summer

It's a long six weeks between minicamp and training camp, but Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller is staying focused. And staying smart.

Miller and team nutritionist Bryan Snyder spent some of their time visiting the Football University Denver camp Saturday as part of the ninth annual Gatorade “Beat the Heat” campaign. Miller, who says he will return to Dove Valley to work out with Broncos Strength and Conditioning Coach Luke Richesson in less than two weeks, made it clear he believes in the importance of this program.

"I'm here with Gatorade Beat the Heat program which educates athletes about the importance of hydration in the hot summer months," Miller told us. "I'm really here to talk to those guys about staying hydrated and letting them know that the hard climate, the hot weather is hard on the body."

Denver opened minicamp in near three-digit temperatures on Tuesday -- "it was super hot", Miller said -- so the timing of this program couldn't be more appropriate.

"Stay hydrated, make it become a routine," said Miller. "You got products that you can take early in the morning to start off. You have products you can use before, during, and after workouts. (The Beat the Heat program) gives you a chance to stay on top of your electrolytes and your sodium intake."

Miller said he will take the next week or two to relax a little bit before hitting workouts hard with Richesson.

"In years past I always go somewhere else and work out. Coach Richesson was just like, 'Just work out here in Denver with me, and right before the season just get it going. The key is just never get out of shape,'" Miller said. "So now I'm going to take a short break, keep my condition up, keep my hydration up. Keep stepping on the gas now nutritionally and physically, then get it going way before the season starts."

Miller is already a superstar in the NFL, but it's never been more clear to me that he's a player that just gets it. His hard work will pay the Broncos huge dividends this year.

There's a lot more where this came from, including Miller's scouting report of Montee Ball. Check back Monday for the full transcript of MHR's one-on-one interview with Von Miller!