Medal of Courage

Sam Mills was born in Neptune New Jersey and wrestled and played football for Long Branch High School. In wrestling few of his opponents were able to match his overwhelming strength or his desire to win. He was a second place winner in the NJSIAA championship at 188 pounds his senior season where he won 31 bouts and lost 2, one by default in the Shore Conference Championship and the second in the finals of the state tournament. Previously he captured the District 23 title and Region 6 championship.

A recognized excellent wrestler, Mills excelled at football. Although only 5 feet 9 inches tall, he played four years at Montclair State and then twelve seasons as an outstanding linebacker with the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers. At Montclair his athletic accomplishments are legendary. For four years he was selected as an All-American linebacker and never was knocked off his feet. Fred Hill his coach recalls the day "he was a human highlight film. That day he made 22 tackles, blocked a kick, intercepted a pass and ran it back for a touchdown, and we won 7-6." Professionally, Mills played nine years with New Orleans and the last three with Carolina; he was named to the Pro-Bowl five times.

Mills was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2003. Though he was told he had only a few months to live, he underwent chemotherapy and radiation and continued to coach. He was an inspirational force in the Panthers post season trip to Super Bowl XXXVIII. The quarterback, Jake Delhomme, marveled at his talent, desire, character, leadership, work ethic, and intelligence: "To go through what he went through and not wanting anyone to feel sorry for him, he kind of drove us. He told us the way we played inspired him; I think it was the other way around." Mills died on the morning of April 18, 2005. He was 45.

Mills was named to the Kodiak All-American team his senior year at Montclair and selected three times as the defensive player of the year by the New Jersey Collegiate Football Writers' Association. He is a member of the Panther's Hall of Fame, New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame, and the Louisiana Hall of Fame.