After frustrating senior season, former Alabama running back at work with Patriots

The NFL Draft has long been a pipeline for Alabama talent, and this year proved no different. As the latest chapter in that history, former Crimson Tide running back Jam Miller saw his name called in the seventh round by the New England Patriots, extending Alabama’s streak of producing NFL-caliber runners.

A Challenging Final Campaign

Miller’s transition to the professional ranks follows a testing 2025 season in Tuscaloosa. Dealing with a dislocated collarbone to start the year and a later ankle sprain, Miller recorded 504 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 130 carries. While he shared backfield duties with Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley, the offense as a whole faced headwinds; the 2025 team recorded 1,562 rushing yards, the lowest for the program since 2000, and a 3.4 yards-per-carry average that marked a program low since 1998.

Acknowledging the struggle, Miller admitted that the adversity was frustrating, but his focus remained on contributing wherever possible. "Me, personally, dealing with all them injuries... you just got to do what you got to do just to help the team as much as possible to win," Miller said during the Patriots' rookie minicamp.

Adapting to the Pro Level

Across four seasons at Alabama, Miller compiled 1,596 rushing yards on 349 attempts with 13 touchdowns, adding 40 receptions for 336 yards and two scores. Despite suggestions that his heavy college workload might be a disadvantage, Miller isn't buying into the narrative. "You got other great running backs, other players, everybody here is trying to earn a spot, earn a job, and you injured, fresh or what so, you know, if you’re the best, you’re going to play and start," he noted.

In New England, the rookie enters a depth chart featuring established names like TreVeyon Henderson, who logged 911 yards last season, and Rhamondre Stevenson, who contributed 603 rushing yards. Regardless of his role, Miller is embracing the work ahead. "Whatever position they put me in, you know, if it’s blocking, running, route running, or whatever, at the end of the day, I’m going to do what I got to do just to let this team win," Miller said.

Next Steps in New England

Miller has now transitioned from rookie minicamp to the Patriots’ full-team offseason program. With OTAs starting next week, the former Alabama star is focused on absorbing the playbook and preparing for the demands of a new offensive system. "Everybody says be like a sponge, you know?" Miller said. "You trying to learn a whole new offense, and you got to take it day-by-day, watch film and study the playbook."

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