Ernest Lee Mills, III (born October 28, 1968) is an American former American football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at the University of Florida.
Early years
Mills was born in Dunnellon, Florida and attended Dunnellon High School. He was a two-way player at cornerback and running back.
As a senior, he tallied 53 tackles, 8 interceptions and 414 rushing yards. He earned a second-team All-state selection at defensive back.
College career
Mills accepted a football scholarship from the University of Florida, where he was a four-year letterman for head coaches Galen Hall and Steve Spurrier's Florida Gators football teams from 1987 to 1990.
As a freshman, he was converted into a wide receiver to take advantage of his speed, making 12 receptions (fourth on the team) for 258 yards (second on the team), a 21.5-yard average (led the team) and 2 receiving touchdowns (second on the team).
As a sophomore, he was limited with a sprained ankle and only appeared in 8 games. He totaled 9 receptions for 153 yards and no touchdowns.
As a junior, he was named a starter at wide receiver, as part of an offense that was focused on the running production of Emmitt Smith. He collected 19 receptions (second on the team) for 404 yards (led the team), a 21.3-yard average (led the team) and 3 receiving touchdowns (led the team).
As a senior, he was named one of the captains of Spurrier's first Gators squad, that would finish with a 9–2 overall win–loss record (6–1 in the SEC). He tied tight end Kirk Kirkpatrick for the team lead with 770 yards receiving, while also making 41 receptions (second on the team), 10 receiving touchdowns (led the team). Memorably, he caught a 70-yard pass thrown by quarterback Shane Matthews from the Gators' own 2-yard-line, setting up a crucial field goal in the Gators' 17–13 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Mills graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in exercise and sport sciences in 1990.
Professional career
Pittsburgh Steelers
Mills was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round (73rd overall) of the 1991 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he was a backup wide receiver, compiling 3 receptions for 79 yards and 15 special teams tackles (led the team). He scored his first touchdown, after recovering a New England Patriots punt.
In , he registered 30 receptions for 383 yards, 3 receiving touchdowns (tied for the team lead) and 10 special teams tackles. He had 4 receptions for 61 yards against the Houston Oilers. He made 8 receptions for 93 yards in the divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.
In , he tallied 29 receptions for 329 yards, one receiving touchdown and 3 carries for 12 yards. He missed the season finale against the Cleveland Browns with a sprained knee. He had 6 receptions for 84 yards against the Houston Oilers. He made 4 receptions for 60 yards and one touchdown in the Wild Card playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
In , he collected 19 receptions for 384 yards and one receiving touchdown. He missed the second game against the Cleveland Browns with a hamstring injury. He had 3 receptions for 98 yards against the Miami Dolphins. Mills increased his production in the playoffs, beginning with 5 receptions for 117 yards in the divisional playoff game against the Cleveland Browns. He had 8 receptions for 106 yards in the AFC Championship game against the San Diego Chargers.
In , he had his best NFL season, catching 39 passes for 679 yards (13.4-yard avg.), 8 touchdowns and 2,024 all-purpose yards. He set franchise records with 54 kickoff returns for 1,306 yards. He had 5 receptions for 66 yards and one touchdown against the Buffalo Bills. He made 3 receptions for 52 yards, including setting up the game winning touchdown with 1:38 minutes remaining in the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts. He was the game's leading receiver in Super Bowl XXX with 8 catches for 79 yards, before tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament in the fourth quarter.
In , he only played in 9 games, while recovering from the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in Super Bowl XXX. He began the season on the Physically Unable to Perform List and returned to practice on October 9. His first game came in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons. He collected 7 receptions for 92 receiving yards and one touchdown.