Interviews Became My Super Bowl
Rehabbing from ACL Injury, Rylie Mills Focuses on Film and Interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WGN) — It was two minutes and three seconds into the third quarter of Notre Dame versus Indiana in the College Football Playoff. The Fighting Irish’s top sack man, Rylie Mills, did it again—getting to Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke on Indiana’s first play of the second half.
From Injury to Recovery
Then just like that, Mills was gone for the rest of the year. Medical testing later revealed he tore his ACL on that play, putting him on a long road to recovery that currently sees him at the NFL Scouting Combine this week in Indianapolis.
All About Interviews
"Since I couldn’t do any of the physical stuff, all the interviews became my Super Bowl," Mills said at the combine Wednesday. "So, all I did was watch my film. I’m looking over every single team and looking at their defensive line—what they do, their schemes and the possible free agents coming up."
A Close-Knit Group
Mills said one of those teams were close to his heart growing up and if they give him the call, he’ll make sure he’s ready to go when they need him.
"I grew up around the Chicagoland area. I was a Bears fan growing up so, I would love to help the team and go out and contribute," Mills said. "For me, it’s like, I know I’m rehabbing this right now, but if you just look at the level of play you’re going to get, it’ll be fresh legs [and] hopefully we get to the postseason soon."
Back to Walking and Rehab
The Lake Bluff-native and Lake Forest High School alum said he is back to walking and feeling better. He admitted he was getting sick of walking around on crutches, and is at the point he’s doing squats and other movements as rehab from his knee surgery continues.
What Matters Most
"While I may be a little bit limited physically, I think for me, what really matters is the tape," Mills said. "If you watch my tape, I think my production and what I’ve achieved on the field should speak for itself right now."
A Top 150 Prospect
The numbers do speak for themselves. Before going down with an ACL injury, Mills—a senior captain—led Notre Dame—an eventually CFP runner-up—with 7.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. Pro Football Focus rates Mills as a top 150 prospect, slotting in at No. 137 in their latest draft big board, the equivalency of having a fifth-round grade.
Supporting the Team from Afar
But even with his ACL injury happening when it did, it still didn’t stop him from helping support the Fighting Irish as they made their playoff run.
"It was tough at first, definitely not ideal but that’s part of the game," Mills said. "One thing I pride myself on is I feel like a lot of guys would just remove themselves and stay away. But the week after my surgery, I rented an RV and drove 24 hours to the Orange Bowl just so I could be around the guys."
A Road Trip to the Orange Bowl
Mills said the cohort that made the round-the-clock trip featured him, his girlfriend, his parents, and his uncle, who is a firefighter and was tasked with driving the RV.
"It was close quarters, like we got to hang out a lot," Mills said of the drive to Miami. "It was good. I just kind of sat there so, I didn’t do too much, but it was great. I was just happy to get there and be around the guys because after watching the Georgia game, I told myself, ‘I can’t sit here and watch another one on TV.’ I just had to get down there in person."
A Leader Off the Field
Mills told media at the combine, that once he got down there, the experience forced him to become more of a leader off the field. Whether it was being more vocal among his fellow defensive linemen on the sideline during their game against Penn State, or putting himself out there to motivate others to leave it all on the field during practice, that was his role to help his team through.
"They had a great run in the national championship and you saw a lot of people, they stepped up," Mills said. "I’m just glad I was able to be a part of it and still help the team."
Conclusion
Rylie Mills’ journey from injury to recovery is a testament to his dedication to his team and his passion for the game. Despite the setbacks, he remains a top prospect in this year’s draft class, and his leadership skills will be invaluable to any team that selects him.
FAQs
Q: What is Rylie Mills’ current status in his recovery from an ACL injury?
A: Mills is currently rehabbing and is back to walking and feeling better.
Q: What are his plans for the 2023 NFL Draft?
A: Mills is focused on the combine and hopes to be selected in the draft.
Q: How does he feel about being a potential draft pick for the Chicago Bears?
A: Mills is a lifelong Bears fan and would love to play for the team.
