For anyone who followed Ohio State football during the early 2010s, Braxton Miller is a household name. But to the NBA's social media crew, he was just another face in the crowd.
On Wednesday, the league's official X account shared a video of LeBron James autographing a replica of his Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School jersey before a game. The caption referred to the person receiving the jersey as a fan. That fan, however, happened to be one of the most dynamic players ever to don scarlet and gray, and Buckeye Nation was quick to set the record straight.
A Night Out with His Son
Miller was seated courtside at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for the Philadelphia 76ers versus Indiana Pacers matchup, joined by his son, Landon. The younger Miller has been making waves of his own; his highlight reel went viral on social media in September, prompting former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer to publicly encourage college programs to offer him scholarships. For the Miller family, the evening was meant to be a fun outing and a chance to meet an Ohio sports icon. Instead, it became a viral moment for a different reason.
A Résumé Worth Remembering
Long before Landon's clips circulated, his father was producing highlights that still make the rounds today. Miller earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors in both 2012 and 2013, leading the Buckeyes on a 24-game winning streak during that stretch. Over those two seasons, he amassed 6,472 yards of total offense and accounted for 64 touchdowns. A shoulder injury sidelined him for the 2014 season, but Miller refused to fade away. He reinvented himself as a wide receiver in 2015—a transition few quarterbacks attempt and even fewer succeed at. His elusiveness in the open field, particularly his signature spin move, remains a cherished part of Ohio State lore.
Fans Fire Back
Given that track record, Ohio State supporters were not about to let the NBA's caption slide. Replies poured in within hours, many tagging the league directly. One fan reminded the NBA that the man in the clip owns what many consider the greatest spin move in college football history. Others kept it brief, repeating the word "fan" with a mix of disbelief and laughter before spelling out Miller's name for anyone still confused. Several responses simply demanded respect for a Buckeye legend. The tone was more playful than angry, but the message was consistent: in Ohio, Braxton Miller is not just another spectator.
The Bigger Picture
The mix-up highlights how quickly college stars can slip from the national spotlight once their playing days end. Inside Ohio, though, memories run deep. Miller's name still carries weight in Columbus, and with Landon drawing recruiting buzz of his own, the family may not stay anonymous for long. The NBA may not have recognized him on Wednesday night, but Buckeye Nation made sure it won't forget again.
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