[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 127 (Friday, July 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING SAM MILLS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2022

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the life 
of Sam Mills as he is posthumously enshrined into the Pro Football Hall 
of Fame on August 6, 2022.
  Despite often being overlooked due to his small stature as a 
linebacker, Sam Mills persisted and shattered misperceptions and 
records throughout his career. He never gave up on or off the field, 
fighting until the end of his two-year battle with cancer, which 
tragically took him too soon at the age of 45. Refusing to let his 
diagnosis stop him, Mr. Mills' motto to ``Keep Pounding'' became a 
rallying cry for his team and future generations of players.
  Born in Neptune and raised in Long Branch, Mr. Mills was a New Jersey 
native who always stayed true to his roots. A standout player for Long 
Branch High School, Mr. Mills was a first-team All-Shore selection in 
his senior year. His Long Branch jersey is proudly displayed in the 
high school gymnasium alongside his Carolina Panthers jersey. Each 
year, two players in the Shore Sports Network All-Shore Gridiron 
Classic are chosen to receive the Sam Mills Award in his honor.
  A walk-on at Montclair State, Mr. Mills left his mark on the 
university as he did in Long Branch. He set records, was recognized for 
his performance, and led the team as captain for two seasons. The 
university retired his jersey number and memorialized his legacy with a 
residence hall and the dining area, Sam's Place, named after him. In 
addition to his achievements on the field, Sam Mills graduated 
Montclair State with a Bachelor of Science degree and was later awarded 
an honorary doctoral degree from the university. He has been inducted 
into the Montclair State University Hall of Fame as well as the College 
Football Hall of Fame.
  Overcoming rejections by other leagues, Sam Mills played three 
seasons in the United States Football League (USFL), where his talent 
did not go unnoticed. When his USFL Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars coach 
Jim Mora was named head coach of the New Orleans Saints, he took Mr. 
Mills with him. Mr. Mills' athletic prowess and leadership helped the 
Saints to four playoff appearances in his 9 seasons with the team. He 
was then a key player with the 1995 expansion team Carolina Panthers, 
where he played until his retirement in 1997. At the end of his NFL 
playing career, Sam Mills recorded 12 seasons and 181 games, 5 Pro Bowl 
appearances, 3 All-Pro and All-NFC selections, and remarkable career 
statistics.
  After retiring as a player, Mr. Mills found his way back to the field 
in 1999, working as an assistant coach for the Carolina Panthers. 
Having nearly entered the teaching profession before joining the USFL, 
Mr. Mills was a natural as a coach. He continued to coach throughout 
his cancer treatments, inspiring the franchise to this day. ``Keep 
Pounding'' is inscribed in the collar of each team jersey, the Keep 
Pounding Drum is played before each home game, and a statue depicting 
Mr. Mills was erected outside their stadium. Likewise, both his 
Panthers and Saints jerseys are retired.
  Mr. Mills is remembered by his loving family, who will be in Canton, 
Ohio for the Pro Football Hall of Fame celebration, as well as former 
teammates, players, and coaches. His induction into the Pro Football 
Hall of Fame ensures that future players and individuals alike will be 
inspired by his story. His character and tenacity are as much a part of 
his legacy as his statistics and accomplishments, and his impact on 
those he has mentored directly, and indirectly, is indelible.
  Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in 
honoring the life and accomplishments of Sam Mills. His election to the 
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022 is well-earned and truly 
deserving of this body's recognition. Keep Pounding.

                          ____________________