Arizona State University is grieving the sudden loss of one of its own, after assistant strength and conditioning coach Steven Miller, a 29-year-old fixture around the Sun Devil football program, died this week in Tempe. A Gilbert High graduate who spent years in ASU's offensive line rotation, Miller had only just returned to the sidelines after a brief medical emergency last week. Thursday's practice was canceled as the program tried to process the shock.
How The School And Local Media Reported It
According to ABC15 Arizona, Miller suffered a medical emergency after practice ended last week, then was back on the sidelines earlier this week before his death. ABC15, which said ASU confirmed that Miller died at age 29, credited Arizona Sports reporter Tyler Drake with breaking the story. The station also noted that the university posted on X that "The Sun Devil Football family mourns the passing of Steven Miller."
Former Sun Devil Lineman And Local Product
Miller played on ASU's offensive line and appears on the program's historical roster as a Sun Devil lineman wearing No. 71. Sun Devil Athletics lists him as a product of Gilbert, Arizona, and ESPN also carries his player profile.
ASU Pauses Practice, Posts Tribute
The Sun Devils canceled Thursday's football practice, a rare move that underscored how deeply Miller's death hit the program. As ABC15 Arizona reported, ASU posted a brief public tribute on its social account that read, "The Sun Devil Football family mourns the passing of Steven Miller." The university has not released further information about the circumstances of his death.
His Role And What We Know
University records list Miller as a coaching assistant in football sport performance, a role that put him in daily contact with players in the weight room and at practice. His position appears in the ASU staff directory. The program and local outlets have indicated they will share updates if more information becomes available.
