The publication is reproduced in full below:
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.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 127(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 127(2)
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