Matt Millen! 4x SB Champ on Headbutts and Chokeouts in the NFL

Matt Millen — four-time Super Bowl champion, legendary NFL linebacker, and later front-office executive — joins us for one of the rawest football conversations we’ve ever had. From his days with the Raiders to his stories about Al Davis, Millen pulls back the curtain on what really happened inside the trenches.

We hear him detail the brutal techniques that defined his playing style — the headbutts, the push-pull leverage, and even putting his hand on an opponent’s throat. Millen explains how those “dirty” tactics weren’t just about violence, but about gaining control, breaking wills, and surviving in the NFL’s most unforgiving battles. He also shares draft room memories, including the Calvin Johnson story that Lions and NFL fans still talk about today, plus his perspective on Raider culture and the infamous “Raider Rules.”

This is old-school football storytelling at its best — honest, tough, and deeply human. Whether you grew up watching Millen play or you’re discovering these stories for the first time, this episode captures what made that era unforgettable.

🔔 Tune in, subscribe, and don’t miss these timeless NFL stories.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

(00:00:00) – Opening: Justin welcomes Matt Millen, background and setup
(00:05:00) – Early Penn State days and transition into the NFL
(00:10:00) – Draft day memories and arriving with the Raiders
(00:15:00) – Al Davis, Raider culture, and the “Raider Rules”
(00:20:00) – Adjusting positions, weight training, and learning the game
(00:25:00) – Scouting and evaluation before the NFL Combine era
(00:30:00) – Mentors, coaches, and building toughness in Oakland
(00:35:00) – On-field tactics: headbutts, throat grabs, push-pull leverage
(00:40:00) – Matchups with legends: Ed White and Randall McDaniel
(00:45:00) – How rules changed the game over the years
(00:50:00) – Breaking down schemes: walking the line and stances
(00:55:00) – Super Bowl memories and preparation for big games
(01:00:00) – Drafting Calvin Johnson: Megatron vs. Russell debate
(01:05:00) – Millen’s approach to character and player evaluation
(01:10:00) – Personal reflections on toughness, resilience, and legacy
(01:15:00) – Closing thoughts, health, and gratitude

💡 KEY TOPICS

📌 Raider Rules & Al Davis culture
📌 Brutal linebacker tactics: headbutts, chokeouts, throat grabs
📌 Draft room stories: Calvin Johnson, Megatron over Russell
📌 Linebacker technique & football trenches strategy
📌 Matchups with NFL greats: Ed White, Randall McDaniel
📌 How the NFL has changed over time

🏈 About Matt Millen:

Matt Millen is a four-time Super Bowl champion and former NFL linebacker who played for the Raiders, 49ers, and Redskins. Known for his toughness and football IQ, Millen later became an NFL executive and broadcaster. His candid storytelling gives fans an unfiltered look at the old-school NFL trenches and the personalities that shaped the game.

🎙️ About the JustIn Time Podcast:

The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. As veteran broadcasters, Justin brings unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their remarkable journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

🔔 Subscribe now on any major platform to never miss an episode of these timeless conversations.

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