BIRMINGHAM, Mich. (Oct. 24, 2024) — On behalf of the Miller family, and the Law Offices of Alan R. Miller P.C., LEGACY MOTOR CLUB sadly shares the news that prominent motorsports attorney and sports agent Alan R. Miller passed away suddenly on Sunday, Oct. 20 at the age of 87, in Orchard Lake, Michigan.
Miller and his office served as legal representation and counsel for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s co-owner Jimmie Johnson for more than 30 years.
“I’m absolutely heartbroken that we have lost Alan,” said Jimmie Johnson. “He became an advisor, friend and mentor to me over 30 years ago and truly looked after me as if I was one of his own. We are praying for his wife, Susie, son Shane, daughters Tracey and Michelle, his family, friends and all those who Alan touched throughout his time.”
Miller also represented Erik Jones, driver of the No. 43 at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB since 2010.
“My racing career has led me to some really incredible people, and Alan Miller is high on that list,” said Jones. “He was a great guy, a phenomenal mentor, but most of all, an amazing friend. I’ll never forget all that he’s done to help get me where I am today. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones.”
Born in Mt. Kisco, New York on June 19, 1937, Miller was a former collegiate and professional football fullback for Boston College. While at Boston College, he was a member of the All-East and All-New England Teams in 1959, as well as a member of the Catholic All-American Team in 1958 and 1959. Miller was voted winner of the Omelia Trophy in 1959 and was a member of the North Squad in the Senior Bowl All-Star Game played in Mobile, Alabama in 1960. Miller graduated from Boston College with a B.S.B.A in finance in 1959 and was a member of the Boston College Hall of Fame.
Miller was drafted in 1960 to the American Football League’s (AFL) New England Patriots. He was the Patriots’ leading rusher in 1960 before being traded to the Oakland Raiders in 1961. There, Miller was named an AFL All-Star. He played for the Raiders until 1965, and his leadership earned him the role of captain of the squad from 1963-1965. Miller was also named the Oakland Raiders Most Valuable Player in 1965.
Miller attended law school at Boston University, where he earned a juris doctor degree cum laude, graduating second in his class in 1965.
Upon completing his football career, he turned to his law degree. Miller served as General Counsel to the American Football League Players Association from 1965 to 1970. In 1970, Miller was elected General Counsel to the National Football League Players Association (“NFLPA”). Miller consolidated the two existing Players Associations into the NFLPA and handled all the collective bargaining and labor negotiations for the NFLPA through 1972. He also served as legal counsel to the World Football League Players Association and worked for NBC television as a color commentator for NFL games. Miller was a successful amateur race driver and was the 1992 Central Division SCCA CSR Champion and winner of the Robert D. Collins Memorial Trophy.
To date, Miller’s law firm is considered one of the preeminent motorsports law firms in the U.S., and has represented a substantial number of NASCAR teams and auto racing drivers to include, Jimmie Johnson, (7-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee); Erik Jones; Kurt Busch; Kyle Busch; Clint Bowyer; Casey Mears; Ryan Newman; David Gilliland; Erin Crocker, Bill Lester, Robert Yates Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing Holdings, LLC.; Green Savoree Racing Promotions; Helio Castroneves; Greg Moore; Adrian Fernandez; Sergio Perez; Danica Patrick Racing, Anthony Foyt IV, Alex Zanardi; Gil de Ferran; Ron Fellows; Santino Ferrucci; Marty Smith (ESPN), Mark Dyer (Motorsports Authentics), Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust, Just Marketing, Honda Performance Development, Herb Fishel, Michael Kranefuss and numerous other teams, drivers, manufacturers and motorsports related persons and entities throughout his career. He served on the boards for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.
In addition, Miller had a substantial role in the negotiating on behalf of Nextel in connection with its sponsorship of the NASCAR Cup Series and acted as legal counsel for Action Performance Companies, Inc. prior to their acquisition by Motorsports Authentics, Inc. He also had a key role in many manufacturing agreements; licensing agreements, engine lease agreements and other vital negotiations and agreements utilized in the motorsports industry throughout the last three decades.
In addition to all his incredible accomplishments, Alan Miller’s greatest accomplishment was his family. He leaves behind wife, Susan, son Shane, and daughters Tracey and Michelle, as well as many friends, clients, and colleagues.
To honor Miller’s legacy, the Nos. 42, 43 and 84 LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Toyota Camry’s will run a special decal for the remainder of the 2024 season.
A memorial visitation to celebrate the life and legacy of Alan Miller will take place at Pine Lake Country Club in West Bloomfield Township, Mich., on Tues., November 5,2024 at noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Angels’ Place, 29299 Franklin Rd, Suite 2, Southfield, MI 48034.