{
  "id": 5684698,
  "title": "Von Miller Gives Cowboys Teammate Unusual Compensation for Jersey Number",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/von-miller-gives-cowboys-teammate-unusual-compensation-for-jersey",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-05T01:30:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/von-miller-gives-cowboys-teammate-unusual-compensation-for-jersey-number-12407786"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dallas Cowboys linebacker Von Miller struck an unusual deal with teammate Hunter Luepke to secure his preferred jersey number. Miller took over the No. 40 jersey, which he had previously worn with the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills, after receiving it from Luepke. Instead of monetary compensation, Luepke gave Miller a minority stake in Greener Pastures Chicken, a company jointly owned by Miller. Miller playfully noted this agreement as the first of its kind in National Football League history, involving ownership of a chicken farm. Luepke, a college football standout from North Dakota State, is now one of several investors in the chicken company, alongside Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees, and Nick Foles. The 26-year-old opted not to accept free chicken for life, deeming the chicken of champions too precious for such a deal. Miller expressed his satisfaction with the arrangement, highlighting Luepke's college accomplishments and the team's connection to the chicken business. Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that while he has witnessed jersey-related deals before, none had involved a chicken company. Both Miller and Schottenheimer emphasized that if a player desires a specific jersey number and possesses the experience, they typically have the necessary financial means to secure their choice.",
  "summary": "Von Miller received No. 40 from Dallas Cowboys full back Hunter Luepke in exchange for an interesting return.",
  "key_points": [
    "Von Miller traded jersey number 40 to Hunter Luepke",
    "Luepke gave Miller minority stake in Greener Pastures Chicken",
    "Miller called it first NFL deal involving chicken farm ownership"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Von Miller's novel jersey number deal with Hunter Luepke sets a new precedent for player negotiations, leveraging his business interests to secure his preferred number.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}