By Darin Edgar “Rip” Miller anchors the legendary “Seven Mules” offensive line to power Notre Dame’s historic 1924 National Championship run. Operating as the intellectual and physical engine of Knute Rockne’s front five, the Canton native cleared path after path for the famous Four Horsemen backfield. From his unblemished high school days to his 48-year tenure molding midshipmen at Annapolis, Miller personified the grit and brains of early gridiron lore. Discover how this Hall of Fame tackle conquered the mighty Stanford lines and later orchestrated Navy’s first-ever triumph over his beloved alma mater.
Football Bio
June 1, 1901 – Canton, Ohio – Edgar “Rip” Miller, the fantastic tackle for Notre Dame from 1922 to 1924, was born.
The National Football Foundation has a great story for Miller. When the famous 1924 season ended for Notre Dame, which was undefeated, they accepted the National Title after the Rose Bowl victory over Stanford. Back home, the team gathered to determine who was responsible for the smashing success – the Four Horsemen or the Seven Mules on the line. A vote was taken: the Mules 7, Horsemen 4. Rip Miller’s vote went with the Mules, of course, because he was their anchor.
Rip attended Canton McKinley High School and helped them to three straight unbeaten seasons. “There were two kinds of people in Canton then,” he would chuckle, “the quick and the dead. The quick played football.” Miller was as quick with his brains as he was with his feet. He was presented with Notre Dame’s top scholar-athlete award.
Edgar Miller received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1966. Later, Miller served as a line coach at Indiana and Navy. In 1931, Miller was named head coach at Navy and guided the Midshipmen in their first victory ever over the Irish – a 7-0 triumph in 1933. The following season, however, Miller passed on the head coaching duties to Tom Hamilton, preferring to remain Navy’s line coach.
In 1948, Miller was named assistant director of athletics, a position he held until he retired July 1, 1974, ending 48 years’ service at the Naval Academy.
Conclusion
Rip Miller elevates the unsung heroes of the trenches through his clever execution and lifelong dedication to athletic leadership. He commands an enduring legacy at Notre Dame by anchoring the unyielding line that made the Four Horsemen household names. By securing Navy’s historic breakthrough against the Fighting Irish and dedicating nearly five decades of service to the Naval Academy, Miller proved his masterclass coaching mind matched his legendary on-field toughness. His 1966 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame permanently cements his status as an foundational pillar of American football history.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1966.
- National Champion: 1924 (Member of Knute Rockne’s undefeated Notre Dame squad).
- Rose Bowl Champion: 1925 (Defeated Stanford 27-10 to cap off the 1924 season).
- The “Seven Mules” Anchor: Famous starting right tackle of Notre Dame’s legendary line.
- Notre Dame Scholar-Athlete Award: Received the program’s top academic and athletic honor.
- High School Powerhouse: Helped lead Canton McKinley High School to three consecutive unbeaten seasons.
- Historic Navy Head Coach: Led the Midshipmen from 1931 to 1933, securing the academy’s first-ever victory over Notre Dame (7-0 in 1933).
- 48 Years of Academy Service: Served Navy as head coach, line coach, and Assistant Athletic Director from 1926 until his retirement in 1974.