K-State football community mourns death of former Wildcats quarterback Matt Miller
Matt Miller, a former quarterback and baseball player for the Kansas State Wildcats, died on Saturday night at the age of 49.
Miller lived his final days in hospice care because of stage-four prostate cancer. His father, Les, had died earlier this week in Oklahoma.
The passing of Miller was mourned by many prominent names associated with K-State athletics, including former football coach Bill Snyder.
“Remarkably sad and emotional,” Snyder wrote on social media. “The loss of former KSU standout player Matt Miller and his father Les in the past (few) days. Both dear friends. Matt has battled cancer and other issues for many years displaying amazing courage, strength, toughness and competitive spirit.
“He did as a player. I saw him on Dec. 27 and he seemed amazingly upbeat, alert and mobile. He looked very normal and yet spoke of his expected death within two weeks again demonstrating his unique strength and toughness. Please offer up your prayers for the Lord to receive both.”
Miller is best remembered by K-State fans as the first starting quarterback in school history to win 10 games in a season. He accomplished that feat in 1995 while throwing for 2,059 yards and 22 touchdowns.
He was effective and clutch as a passer.
K-State defeated Cincinnati 23-21 that season when Miller found Kevin Lockett for a touchdown on the final play of the game. Miller also guided K-State to a memorable victory in the Sunflower Showdown. For the only time in history, both teams met when they were ranked in the top 25 and the Wildcats won easily 41-7.
The Wildcats finished that season 10-2 by beating Colorado State in the Holiday Bowl.
“Rest easy Matty,” former K-State assistant and KU head coach Mark Mangino wrote on social media. “You made a difference during our time at (K-State football). Youre competitive spirit and your constant smile will be missed.”
Following his time as a K-State football player, Miller went on to become the head coach at Garden City Community College, where he coached athletes such as current Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
This story was originally published January 9, 2022 at 7:57 PM with the headline "K-State football community mourns death of former Wildcats quarterback Matt Miller."