The Colorado Buffaloes football community is joining the college football world to mourn one of the team’s former wide receivers, who suddenly passed away on Thursday.
Keith Miller III, who played two seasons at Colorado and the past two years at Texas A&M-Commerce died in his apartment near the TAMUC campus on Thursday night.
A receiver from The Colony, Texas, Miller, 22, played at CU in 2020 and 2021. He did not appear in any games before transferring to TAMUC, but left his mark on his teammates and coaches from his two years in Boulder.
“As coaches we are so focused on wins and losses that we sometimes forget to check on our former players!” former CU player and assistant coach Darrin Chiaverini wrote on social media. “We lost a great young man today in Keith Miller!”
The Colorado Buffaloes issued a statement Friday that read: “The University of Colorado is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Keith Miller III. Keith was a member of our football program for two seasons in 2020-21 and in every way imaginable was an outstanding young man in addition to being a beloved father, son, and brother. He will always be a part of the Buffs family and was taken from us way too soon. His family, teammates from both CU and Texas A&M-Commerce, and all those who knew him are in our thoughts.”
After transferring, Miller caught 39 passes for 457 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons at Texas A&M-Commerce. In 2023, he was named a team captain and caught 22 passes for 274 yards and four touchdowns.
“We are heartbroken by Keith’s unexpected passing,” Lions head coach Clint Dolezel said in a press release by the school. “Keith was a beloved father, son, teammate, and student-athlete. We extend our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and all who loved him at this very difficult time.”
Texas A&M University-Commerce said it has expanded services to students needing guidance or support.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Keith Miller. The A&M-Commerce community extends its deepest condolences to Keith’s family and those who knew and loved him,” said Jim Curry, athletics director at Texas A&M University-Commerce. “Words are hard to come by at this moment, but we ask that you keep those impacted by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.”
Tributes Pour In For Former Colorado Buffaloes Player Keith Miller After Sudden Passing
The former Colorado Buffaloes receiver had transferred to Texas A&M in 2021.
Miller’s girlfriend Caila Jae has shared a picture of a broken heart in response to his death.
“I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you.
“I will never love anyone the way I loved you. See you soon,” she said early this morning on Instagram.
Her poignant message has prompted a wave of sympathy in regards to the loss of the football player at such a young age.
“Keith was such a gem. His shine will [be] terribly missed in this world,” one person wrote.
“So incredibly heartbroken over this one. Sending you all the love & prayers, hun. I’m so sorry,” replied one friend.”
According to his biography on the Colorado Buffaloes website, he was born in December 2001 in Dallas, Texas. He has four siblings – two older and two younger.
His cousin, Mike Sherrard, played wide receiver at UCLA and played 10 seasons in the NFL for the Cowboys, 49ers, Broncos, and Giants.
ESPN tabbed Keith Miller as a top 150 wide receiver nationally and No. 121 player from Texas during his time in high school.
USC Trojans wide receiver and close friend Brenden Rice wrote about his passing on his Instagram.
“I love you Brotha. On Everything I love yo son will be taken care of,” Rice shared in his stories with a photograph of him and Miller.
This is obviously a major tragedy to the Colorado Buffaloes community and college football world as a whole.
