Von Miller Secures No. 40 via Equity Swap with Hunter Luepke

Key points

• Von Miller officially secured No. 40 for the 2026 season, a number he wore at Texas A&M, the Rams, and the Bills.
• Fullback Hunter Luepke, who held No. 40 since joining the Cowboys in 2023, will switch to No. 30.
• The deal involved Luepke receiving an undisclosed amount of equity in Miller's company, Greener Pastures Chicken.
• Rookie safety Caleb Downs will retain No. 13, while other roster changes include Broderick Jones taking No. 77.
• The Cowboys' regular season opener against the New York Giants is scheduled for September 13.

Background

Miller signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys in August, returning to his hometown of DeSoto, Texas. Previous reports indicated he sought No. 40 but faced resistance from Luepke, leading to humorous offers of a lifetime chicken supply before the final equity-based agreement was reached.

How outlets are covering it

Bleacher Report and the Dallas Cowboys' official site emphasize the equity swap in Greener Pastures Chicken as the primary incentive. The New York Times highlights that Miller's company already has ownership stakes from other NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and Drew Brees, framing Luepke as a new business partner. NBC Sports notes the uncertainty surrounding the exact terms but confirms the number switch, while the Cowboys' official site details the broader roster number assignments, including the historical significance of No. 77 for Broderick Jones.

Why it matters

The resolution of the jersey number dispute highlights the cultural importance of player identity in the NFL and showcases the unique, informal negotiation tactics used between veteran and rookie players. It also signals the finalization of the Cowboys' roster ahead of their season opener.

What to watch

The Cowboys will begin regular season preparations, with their first game against the New York Giants on September 13. No further number changes are expected until the offseason, as the league locks numbers after Week 1.