Bill Snyder Reacts to Death of Former K-State QB Matt Miller

Posted on January 9, 2022

NCAA Football: Kansas State at Vanderbilt

The K-State community continues to grieve in the wake of former quarterback Matt Miller passing away on Sunday after a very sudden and brief, 18-month battle with Stage IV prostate cancer. Miller passed away at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas age 49 years old.

Former K-State head coach Bill Snyder, who coached Miller during his mid-1990’s stint, reacted to the news on Twitter on Sunday afternoon.

Remarkably sad and emotional: the loss of former KSU standout player Matt Miller and his father Les In the past so days. Both dear friends. Matt has battled cancer and other issues for many years displaying the amazing courage, strength, toughness and competitive spirit (cont’d)
— Bill Snyder (@CoachBillSnyder) January 9, 2022

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 2 weeks again demonstrating his unique strength and toughness. Please offer up your prayers for the Lord to receive both.
— Bill Snyder (@CoachBillSnyder) January 9, 2022

Coach Snyder is also referring to the loss of Matt’s father, Les, a longtime NFL scout, who recently died due to the prolonged effects of a November heart attack.

Miller transferred to K-State from Texas A&M in 1993. He will be remembered for his leadership during the 1995 season when he led K-State to a 10-2 record. Maybe the most memorable moment that season that included a game-winning touchdown pass to Kevin Lockett against Cincinnati. It was the first 10-win season in school history and laid the foundation for what came for the Wildcats later that decade.

His career ended on an unfortunate note, as he was taken off the field in a stretcher against Colorado State in the 1995 Holiday Bowl in San Diego.

Miller later coached in the Sunflower State for Garden City Community College from 2013 to 2014. He will be remembered for his toughness on the field and his devotion to family.